BEIRUT – Local officials as well as the International Community welcomed the declaration of establishing diplomatic ties between Damascus and Lebanon. The USA warmly favored this progress in the Beirut-Damascus relations. However, they add there’s still a lot to do beyond establishing embassies. Washington calls for the demarcation of the border separating the two countries. Paris and London also consider the establishment of diplomatic ties between Lebanon and Syria is a very positive progress. 

Locally, many political leaders welcomed Bachar al Assad’s decree. President Michel Sleimane expressed his relief and hopes normalization of the relations between the two countries will help restore the good ties between Lebanon and Syria. 

Prime Minister Fouad Siniora said that “it is an historical step on the way to confirm the independence of Lebanon, its sovereignty and its freedom in decision making”.