Syria and Lebanon to establish diplomatic relations

A flag carrying the face of the Syrian president, Bashar Assad, sits atop a Lebanese flag in a market in Damascus. Photograph: Bassem Tellawi/AP Syria and Lebanon are to establish diplomatic relations for the first time ever, putting ties between the neighbours on a more equal basis — and helping Damascus emerge from its regional isolation. Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian president, has issued a decree paving the way for the dispatch of an ambassador to Beirut, the official Sana news agency reported. Lebanon's foreign minister is due in Damascus tomorrow to agree a date. The two countries have not had normal diplomatic ties since they gained their independence from France over 60 years ago, with Syria seeing Lebanon as part of its historic territory. Damascus has been by far the dominant side in their relationship since 1976,... [read full story]