Israel, Lebanon to hold talks next week

The US State Department said on Monday that Israel and Lebanon will hold the next round of talks in Rome, Italy, from August 4 to 6.The US-brokered talks will focus on advancing the full implementation of the Israel-Lebanon framework agreement, including "expanding the pilot zone process, resolving all outstanding border issues, and working on a comprehensive peace and security agreement," AFP reported, quoting a State Department official.The framework deal emerged after war broke out between Israel and Hezbollah on March 2, calling for an end to the conflict. It also demands that Israeli forces steadily withdraw from two "pilot zones" in southern Lebanon and that Lebanese troops be deployed in the south. Source(s): Xinhua News Agency