Lebanese scholar confers with US ambassador

Chairman of the Higher Shiite Islamic council in Lebanon Sheikh Muhammad Mahdi Shamseddine on Friday in Beirut received the US ambassador to Lebanon, David Satterfield, and the charge d'affairs David Hale.

In the name of his government, the ambassador offered congratulations to Sheikh Shamseddine on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr.

Talks dealt with developments in the region, especially the situation in South Lebanon. Satterfield said following the meeting: "Our viewpoints on the need to avoid violence and the escalation of situations in South Lebanon, were similar. This escalation is not in the interest of any side."

He stressed his country's support for the performance of the April Understanding Monitoring Committee, noting that this committee "represents a useful mechanism for all sides to avoid inflicting damage on civilians. But it always needs the support of all sides."