Global Arab Network | Hariri visit to Syria opens new chapter in relations

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Hariri visit to Syria opens new chapter in relations

Saturday, 19 December 2009 23:53

President_Bashar_al-Assad_and_Lebanese_Prime_Minister_Saad_al-Hariri_-2

Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri held talks with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus Saturday. The two leaders have pledged to open new prospects on bilateral relations and enhance cooperation between the two countries, the Syrian state news agency reported.

The landmark talks would open a fresh chapter in the countries’ long-troubled relationship.

President al-Assad, meeting Premier al-Hariri in Tishreen Presidential palace, stressed that Syria has always been interested in establishing best relations with Lebanon based on Damascus conviction and principled stances that consider the relations between Syria and Lebanon as close and strategic.

The President emphasized that Syrian-Lebanese ties protect the common interests of the two countries' people and the Arab people in general, underscoring that security and stability of Lebanon is Syria's security and stability and vice versa.

Prime Minister al-Hariri said his government is looking for establishing real and strategic relations with Syria in the interest of the brotherly people of the two countries.

He added that good and close relations between Syria and Lebanon boost their stances and strength, and contribute to protecting Lebanon, Arabism and the unity of the Arabs in the face of the continuous Israeli policies of violation of Arab rights.

President al-Assad and Premier al-Hariri reviewed the positive developments in Lebanon and Syria and the history of both countries' relations in addition to how to bypass the negative effects that stained these relations at some point in the past.

Syrian Presidential Political and Media Advisor, Dr. Buthaina Shaaban described as "frank, positive and cordial" talks between President al-Assad and Prime Minister Hariri, adding that this would reflect positively on the Arab situation.

"The three-hour talks between President al-Assad and al-Hariri discussed all topics related to the Syrian-Lebanese relations with emphasis on the future relations between the two countries and activating the institutions. Talks were held in frank, positive and cordial atmosphere," Dr. Shaaban told reporters.

She added that al-Hariri's current visit "will be followed by future visits by officials and technicians to lay the foundation for activating the institutional relations between the two countries in the interest of the two brotherly peoples."

The Presidential Political and Media Advisor noted that "all issues were discussed with transparency…There is intention to continue with this positive direction and develop executive plans to upgrade the mutual relations to meet the aspiration of people in both countries."

She said that Arab mutual work will highly benefit from this particular relationship, and would be positively reflected on other Arab relations.

Answering a question on the significance of President al-Assad's reception of al-Hariri in Tishreen Palace, and whether this meeting is meant to break the ice, Shaaban said that there is no doubt that the meeting between the two sides has managed to thaw the ice.

"The reception of al-Hariri in Tishreen Palace… and his residence in is a breaking of the protocol…this indicates special warmth and cordiality," she stressed.
The Presidential Political and Media Advisor added that, "the agenda is to continue with this frank, serious and constructive dialogue to cover all the topics today evening and tomorrow."

Answering a question on the demarcation of borders between the two countries, Shaaban said that this topic was discussed like others with steps to be taken in the proper time and way.

She added that the visits between the two countries will be rapid and mutual, focusing on the institutional ties between Syrian and Lebanese ministries and institutions.

On the performance of the Syrian-Lebanese Higher Council in the coming period, Shaaban indicated that this council will contribute to enhance relations between both countries and enrich them.

Regarding the contribution of President al-Assad and Premier al-Hariri current meetings to remove past negative aspects, Shaaban said that these negative had become in the past, adding that President al-Assad and Premier al-Hariri's willingness to establish this positive and constructive relationship-- and their recognition that it is in the interest of both countries and people---would guarantee that such things would not recur.

This is Mr. Hariri's first visit to Syria since the 2005 assassination of his father, the late Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri.

A U.N. investigation blamed Syria for the assassination plot, but officials in Damascus denied any involvement. A remote-controlled bomb explosion in Beirut killed the elder Mr. Hariri and dozens of others and injured 100 or more people. (Reuters, voanews, Xinhua, SANA)

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