Lebanese premier receives message from Albright

Lebanese Premier and Foreign Minister Salim al-Hoss received a message on Wednesday from US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, conveyed by the US ambassador to Lebanon, David Satterfield.

Following the meeting, Satterfield said the message pertains to the peace process in the region.

He expressed his hope that negotiations will be resumed towards achieving a just and comprehensive peace. The US ambassador continued that he briefed the Lebanese premier on his expectations concerning the realization of fruitful progress in this area, adding that he is looking forward to working with Israeli Prime Minister-elect Ehud Barak after he forms his government.

Satterfield expressed his hope to achieve tangible progress in peace negotiations on all tracks and very soon. He noted that he discussed during his meeting with Moss several matters, especially the situation in south Lebanon.

Replying to a question on the situation in Jezzine, the US ambassador said, "We hope the process of restoring the district of Jezzine by the Lebanese authorities would proceed smoothly."

Replying to a question on whether the US delegate to the region, Dennis Ross, will carry out a new tour, Satterfield explained that following the formation of the new Israeli government, "There will be a series of discussions in Washington to define the later steps that can be taken."