BEIRUT, May 16. /TASS/. A third round of Lebanese-Israeli talks in Washington resulted in significant progress and increased the chances of reaching a peaceful settlement to the conflict, a statement released by the Lebanese delegation said.
"The extension of the ceasefire and the establishment of a US-facilitated security track advance a political pathway toward lasting stability," the delegation said in a statement cited by the MTV television channel.
It emphasized that Lebanon would continue to engage constructively in the talks and reaffirmed "its unwavering commitment to reaching an agreement that fully restores Lebanon’s national sovereignty and guarantees the safety and return of all its citizens."
"Our objective is to transform the current ceasefire momentum into a comprehensive and lasting agreement that safeguards the dignity, security, and future of the Lebanese people," the statement noted.
US State Department Spokesman Tommy Pigott said earlier that the April 16 ceasefire agreement had been extended for 45 days to enable further progress. Military delegations from the two countries are due to meet again at the Pentagon on May 29, while the political track of negotiations is scheduled to resume on June 2-3.