Syria, Lebanon to improve ties

Syria and Lebanon will improve ties. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Saturday afternoon met with visiting Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri.

Despite the unresolved issue of his father's assassination in a massive truck bombing in Beirut, Hariri's visit is believed to potentially open the way for a new era in relations.

Many Lebanese say there was Syrian involvement in the murder. Damascus denies it had anything to do with it. Hariri says his government wants to establish real and strategic relations with Syria.

Assad describes relations between Syria and Lebanon as close and strategic. He reiterated that Syria will spare no efforts to boost ties between the two countries and enhance Lebanon's unity, security and stability.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad (R) speaks with Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri during a meeting in Damascus. (AFP/Louai Beshara)