BEIRUT, Lebanon, May 11 (UPI) -- A Sudanese presidential envoy mediating between Syria and Lebanon said Syrian President Bashar Assad is ready to establish diplomatic ties with Lebanon.
Mustafa Othman Ismail, whose country currently holds the presidency of the Arab summit, said Thursday that Assad had assured him of his readiness to receive Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora to ease strained Lebanese-Syrian relations.
Sudan declared that it is willing to renew its mediation between Syria and Lebanon, whose relations were seriously strained following the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in February 2005. His death was largely blamed on Syria, who was in control of Lebanon's security at the time of the killing.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Lebanese President Emile Lahoud, Ismail said the aim of his visit is to follow up efforts started earlier this year to remove obstacle disrupting the restoration of normal Lebanese-Syrian relations.
The anti-Syria parties in the Lebanese government have been calling for the demarcation of the border with Syria, establishment of diplomatic relations and ending Damascus' interference in Lebanon's domestic affairs.
National dialogue between pro and anti-Syria Lebanese factions which started last month has so far failed to settle controversial issues, including the fate of pro-Syrian President Lahoud's extended mandate at Syria's behest which many consider as illegitimate.
