"Initial reports are encouraging. In the end of the day, it's going to be deeds, not words, that matter."

"We've talked to the Europeans about it. It's clear if those negotiations fail, then we are agreed with the Europeans that the next step is to take the matter to the U.N. Security Council."

"We hope and we've made clear that the forces need to come out. It needs to be full and complete withdrawal. Our position is it needs to be done as soon as possible so that the elections can be free, fair and free of outside influence."

"That U.N. Security Council resolution requires getting Syrian troops and intelligence officials out of Lebanon so that the Lebanese can have elections here this spring that are free and fair and free of outside influence."

"The violence seems to be diminishing. They've stared into the abyss a bit. I think they've all concluded that further violence... is not in their interests."