WASHINGTON, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- U.S. National Security Advisor James Jones concluded a week-long visit to the Middle East Friday. He discussed regional challenges and opportunities with Middle East leaders, as the United States began a diplomatic push to restart the stalled peace talks there.

    National Security Council Spokesman Mike Hammer said in a statement that Jones concluded his visit in Lebanon, where he met with Lebanese President Michel Sleiman, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister Saad Hariri.

    During the meetings, Jones promised the United States will not achieve its goals in the Middle East at Lebanon's expense.

    Jones' visit to the Middle East took him to Saudi Arabia, Israel and the Palestinian Territories. The visit came as the Obama administration tries to implement dual-track diplomacy in the region -- restarting Israeli-Palestinian peace talks and putting sanctions on Iran.