US President-elect Mr George W Bush told Lebanese President Mr Emile Lahoud that he saw enormous opportunities to make peace in the Middle East, a presidential statement said today.
"We will undoubtedly face a number of challenges in the years ahead. I am confident that with a spirit of mutual respect, cooperation and open dialogue, we can successfully meet these challenges", said Mr Bush's letter to Mr Lahoud.
"The future also presents enormous opportunities. Together we can use these opportunities to advance the peace, freedom and prosperity of our peoples", added Mr Bush in his letter to thank Mr Lahoud for congratulating him after being elected president for the United States.
Israel pulled out from its south Lebanon occupation zone in May. But Lebanon said the withdrawal was not complete, demanding Israel return the Shebaa Farms, at the foot of Syria's Golan Heights captured by Israel in 1967.
Peace talks between Israel and Lebanon and Syria, Beirut's main power broker with 35,000 troops stationed in the country, have been stalled for more than a year over withdrawal from the Golan Heights.
Reuters