Al-Hoss optimistic on Israeli - Syrian negotiations

Lebanese Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss said that the resumption of negotiations between Syria and Israel is taking place in an optimistic atmosphere due to the high-ranking representation to these talks, adding that his country expects to be invited soon to the negotiations.

Al-Hoss spoke about the steadfastness of the Lebanese stance in the negotiations and that Minister of Interior Michel Murr was recommended as the head of Lebanon's negotiating delegation if the negotiations were on the ministerial level.

Al-Hoss said before the Cabinet session yesterday that Lebanon expects to receive an invitation to peace talks if the efforts to resume the negotiations is positive between Syria and Israel.

Replying to a question, Murr said that the final decision goes back to President Emil Lahoud and Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss, who met on Tuesday in the framework of preparations for Lebanon's files to the negotiations. An official sources explained that Murr may preside over the first session and then return to Beirut and to be represented by the Lebanese ambassador in Washington, Fareed Abboud and some high employees in the foreign ministry as well as a security official that is closely linked to the negotiations file.

Meanwhile, a Syrian source stated that Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa will head to Beirut after coming back from Washington to inform Lebanese President Emile Lahoud of the results of the first round of Syrian- Israeli negotiations.