Special report: Israel-Lebanon Conflicts   [ Video ][Gallery] 

    BEIRUT, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- A visiting U.S. official said on Wednesday that his country pins hope on an international conference on Lebanon due in Paris on Jan. 15, 2007.

    U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near East Affairs Robert Danan made the remark at a news briefing after a meeting with Lebanese Minister of Communications Marwan Hamadeh.

    Danan commended the Lebanese government for its efforts in reform and reconstruction and its abidance by UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

    He said that he discussed with Hamadeh Lebanese-U.S. ties, especially economic ties, stressing the necessity of providing job opportunities and pushing forward economic growth. Upon his arrival in Beirut Tuesday night, Danan reiterated his country's strong commitment to supporting the Lebanese government and people.

    Earlier in the day, Danan also met with Lebanese Foreign Minister Fawzi Salloukh and other Lebanese officials over challenges facing Lebanon and what the United States could do to support a stable, prosperous and democratic Lebanon.

    France has agreed to hold an international donor conference on Lebanon's reconstruction in January. Enditem