Lebanese Parliament speaker confers with US ambassador

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri received the US ambassador to Lebanon, David Satterfield, on Monday in Beirut. Talks dealt with local and regional developments.

Satterfield said he followed up during this meeting the talks he held with Lebanese President Emile Lahoud and with Lebanese Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss.

He added, "We are optimistic and are hopeful of creating an atmosphere in south Lebanon in which the escalated situation can be avoided and civilians can be protected."