Syria, Lebanon agree to start diplomatic ties

DAMASCUS (AFP) - Syria and Lebanon have agreed to start diplomatic ties and exchange ambassadors for the first time since independence about 60 years ago, a Syrian presidential adviser said Wednesday.

The decision was taken during a meeting in Damascus between President Bashar al-Assad and his visiting Lebanese counterpart Michel Sleiman, presidential counsellor for politics Bussaina Shaaban said in a statement.

“The two presidents decided to establish diplomatic relations at the level of ambassadors, in line with the treaty of the United Nations and international law,” the statement said.