US optimistic over Middle East peace

The US ambassador to Lebanon, David Satterfield said on Monday that he expressed to the Lebanese Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss, with whom he met on Monday, that the US hopes to resume negotiations on the Syrian and Lebanese tracks.

In a statement he made following the meeting with al-Hoss, the ambassador said, "We hope a progress will be attained on this level." He continued that he conveyed a message in this respect from his country's government, stressing the continued US support and commitment to what Lebanon faces in this phase, especially concerning the Middle East peace negotiations.

Satterfield said that Washington does not have any information about a possible Israeli withdrawal from Hasbaya or other South Lebanon areas.