Lebanese ex-premier expresses belief in best relations with Syria

Visiting former Lebanese Prime Minister Omar Karami on Tuesday expressed confidence in building the best relations with Syria, the official SANA news agency reported.

"We, in Lebanon, are a group that believes in building the best relations between Syria and Lebanon, mainly at these circumstances, following the dirty and destructive war against Lebanon," he said after meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his deputy Farouk al-Shara.

The pro-Syrian politician said his trip here was to underline fraternity, friendship and full cooperation between the two nations, warning that a "convulsive" atmosphere between the two neighbors would only benefit the enemy.

He also expressed support to a national unity government in Lebanon, saying it is the one that can face all problems, especially after the Israel-Hezbollah conflict which had complicated the situation in the country.

Syrian-Lebanese ties hit a low after the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in a massive truck bombing in February 2005 which forced Damascus to withdraw its troops from its smaller neighbor, ending a 29-year military presence there.

Many Lebanese blamed Syria for the killing, but Damascus denied any role in it.

Source: Xinhua