Syria awaits next Lebanese Cabinet

BEIRUT, Lebanon, Sept. 2 (UPI) -- Damascus is keen on establishing an internal dialogue with Beirut to move toward improvements in regional affairs, a Syrian envoy said.

Ali Abdel Karim Ali, the Syrian envoy to Lebanon, said he looked forward to working with the next Lebanese government on a variety of issues, Lebanon's Daily Star newspaper reports.

Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri has wrestled with political bickering that is stalling his efforts to form a new unity government. He pledged to work quickly on his next Cabinet following the victory for his March 14 coalition in June parliamentary elections.

"Formation of the national cabinet fortifies the country and works on solving all issues," the envoy said. "This reflects positively on the situation in Lebanon and consequently Syria."

After nearly 30 years, Syria pulled its forces from Lebanon in April 2005 amid international pressure in the wake of the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.

Syria and Lebanon have moved toward warmer relations in the wake of the 2005 troop withdrawal.

Syria opened its Beirut embassy in December. Lebanon followed suit March 16.

The Syrian envoy is the first ever ambassador appointed by Damascus to Beirut.