American hopes pinned on Albright's trip

The US State Department has expressed its hope that the visit of US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright to the region will result in resuming peace talks on the Syrian track.

The deputy spokesman for the US State Department, James Foley, said Albright hopes she can achieve progress to settle the basis of resuming talks on the Syrian track.

Folley believes that Albright will do her best to resume peace talks, adding, "This is worthwhile."

Albright in her tour, will focus on the arrangements for separate Israeli-Palestinian talks on the final status issues, Jerusalem, the borders, refugees and settlements, Foley added.

Albright's visit will also focus on helping all parties over the next fourteen or fifteen months to get in the final status negotiations with the aim of achieving a comprehensive peace by the end of the year 2000.