Lebanon, Israel hold border talks in Rome

Lebanon and Israel resumed talks on Tuesday in the Italian capital, with Beirut hoping for progress towards securing an Israeli withdrawal from south Lebanon under a US-brokered agreement, although expectations for swift progress were low.

A US State Department official said in a brief statement that the Rome talks were positive and would continue on Wednesday, adding that both sides were eager to move forward.

US-led diplomacy started after Hezbollah and Israel returned to war on March 2 amid the wider regional conflict, moving forward despite strong objections from the Iran-backed group, which believes only Iranian pressure on Washington can secure an end to the war and Israeli withdrawal.

The talks, set to last two days at the US embassy in Rome, will aim to set out how to implement the framework deal, Lebanese officials told Reuters. One of the officials said holding the talks in Italy would make it easier for both countries' delegations to consult their governments for guidance as they negotiate.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar told reporters in Tel Aviv on Tuesday that implementing the framework agreement was "the only way forward" and said Israel would "demonstrate goodwill in Rome."

He said Israel was ready to move forward in implementing two "pilot zones" -- patches of territory in southern Lebanon where the agreement foresees Hezbollah's disarmament, the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the deployment of Lebanese troops.