Syria's top diplomat undergoes bypass surgery in Lebanon

BEIRUT, Lebanon, March 14 (UPI) -- Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem was in stable condition Friday after undergoing bypass surgery in Beirut hospital, medical officials said.

Al-Muallem, 73, was admitted Thursday to the American University of Beirut-Medical Center's intensive care unit under tight security, the Daily Star in Beirut reported.

Al-Muallem has been Syria's top diplomat since 2006. He led the Syrian government delegation at recent peace talks in Geneva, Switzerland, which so far have failed to reach an agreement on a transitional government or end the three-year civil war.