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Syrian minister in Beirut talks | Syrian minister in Beirut talks |
(about 4 hours later) | |
Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Mouallem has visited Beirut, a week after Damascus agreed to establish formal diplomatic ties with Lebanon. | |
Mr Mouallem delivered an invitation for Lebanese President Michel Suleiman to visit Damascus. | |
Lebanon and Syria have had a strained relationship since the assassination of former Lebanese PM Rafik Hariri. | Lebanon and Syria have had a strained relationship since the assassination of former Lebanese PM Rafik Hariri. |
Many Lebanese blame Syria for the 2005 killing, but it has consistently denied any involvement. | Many Lebanese blame Syria for the 2005 killing, but it has consistently denied any involvement. |
In 2005, Syria withdrew its troops from Lebanon after a presence of 29 years, following massive domestic and international pressure after the assassination of Mr Hariri. | In 2005, Syria withdrew its troops from Lebanon after a presence of 29 years, following massive domestic and international pressure after the assassination of Mr Hariri. |
Since then, a number of Lebanese leaders have called for Syria to send an ambassador to Beirut to show that it acknowledges Lebanon's sovereignty and independence. | Since then, a number of Lebanese leaders have called for Syria to send an ambassador to Beirut to show that it acknowledges Lebanon's sovereignty and independence. |
Mr Mouallem is the highest ranking Syrian official to visit Lebanon since the withdrawal of Syrian troops shortly after Mr Hariri's death. | |
'Brotherly co-operation' | 'Brotherly co-operation' |
"This visit will open a new era in bilateral relations, following the tensions of the last three years," Mr Mouallem told Lebanon's al-Safir newspaper. | "This visit will open a new era in bilateral relations, following the tensions of the last three years," Mr Mouallem told Lebanon's al-Safir newspaper. |
"We hope to overcome these tensions and look forward to brotherly co-operation between Syria and Lebanon. We have all the conditions needed to succeed." | "We hope to overcome these tensions and look forward to brotherly co-operation between Syria and Lebanon. We have all the conditions needed to succeed." |
In May this year, Lebanon's parliament elected Mr Suleiman as president, ending deadlock which has left the post vacant since November. | In May this year, Lebanon's parliament elected Mr Suleiman as president, ending deadlock which has left the post vacant since November. |
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