| Submit your comments on this article |
| Syria-Lebanon-Iran |
| Syria, Lebanon to negotiate demarcation of border |
| 2008-08-15 |
| Syria agreed Thursday to begin negotiations with Lebanon on demarcating their border, making its second concession in two days to longtime demands from the Lebanese as they seek to normalize relations with their dominant larger neighbor. Formally setting the border is a key symbolic move recognizing Lebanon's sovereignty, as was Syria's agreement a day earlier for the two nations to establish diplomatic relations for the first time. But the agreements won't mean an end to Syrian influence in Lebanon, and some Lebanese -- as well as Washington -- remain concerned that the Damascus regime will continue to try to exercise power over its neighbor. Syria agreed to the steps only after a Lebanese unity government was formed Tuesday that gives the Syrian-allied Hezbollah a strong say in Lebanon's decision-making. Syria also has a relatively friendly president in Lebanon: Michel Suleiman, who was installed as a compromise in May after Hezbollah blocked pro-Western factions from electing an anti-Syria politician. Still, Lebanese on all sides hope the new government will ease the power struggle between pro-Western and pro-Syrian factions that has kept Lebanon in turmoil the past three years. The union is fragile, however, and an attempt by either side to push its agenda too strongly could revive tensions. Saad Hariri, who heads the anti-Syria majority in Lebanon's parliament, welcomed the deal on border negotiations as a "historic step toward rectifying relations," but added a warning that Damascus must not interfere in Lebanon in the future. "It is time ... for (Syrian) tutelage to end once and for all," said Hariri, whose father, former prime minister Rafik Hariri was killed by a 2005 bombing that some in Lebanon blame on Syria. Damascus denies any role. |
| Posted by:Fred |