On the Lebanese issue, Prince Saud said the Kingdom and the US hope that the Syrian withdrawal from Lebanon will pave the way for the establishment of a transitional government in the county, and for holding elections. Prince Saud said the talks held by Prince Abdullah and the US State Secretary were of vital importance, and they have demonstrated the keenness of the two countries on further cementing bilateral relations. Meanwhile, Prince Saud said the talks had also covered the relations of the Gulf countries with each other and with Iran. He pointed out that the US Administration has welcomed the replacement of Saaduddin Hariri to his Late Father, Rafiq Hariri, as a representative of Beirut constituency. On the support that might be extended by Washington to the project of establishing a center for combating terrorism, he said the US was one of the participant countries in the counter-terrorism conference, earlier held in Riyadh. He noted that a committee has been formed for considering the idea and presenting the outcome to the participant countries. Prince Saud has expressed appreciation for the warm welcome given by the US President, Vice-President and State Secretary to Prince Abdullah during his current visit to the US, and said 'this warm welcome has provided a clear evidence for the important role being played by the Kingdom at the international arena, as well as for the significance of the Saudi-American relations which go back to 60 years'.--more1326 Local Time 1026 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/258035