- Title: LEBANON: Syrian ambassador prepares to officially take up post
- Date: 28th May 2009
- Summary: BEIRUT, LEBANON (MAY 28, 2009) (REUTERS) (CONTAINS FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY) WIDE OF AMBASSADOR ALI ABDEL KARIM ALI ARRIVING AT LEBANESE FOREIGN MINISTRY ALI WALKING UP STAIRCASE ALI RECEIVING HIS OFFICIAL APPOINTMENT LETTER. WIDE OF ALI MEETING LEBANESE FOREIGN MINISTER FAWZI SALLOUKH MORE OF ALI AND SALLOUKH SALLOUKH ALI MORE OF MEETING ALI LEAVING
- Embargoed: 12th June 2009 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Lebanon
- Country: Lebanon
- Reuters ID: LVA989F3FK9IIKCGHGL4CXMTHE1N
- Story Text: Syria's first appointed ambassador to Lebanon met officials in Beirut on Thursday (May 28) as part of the protocol that precedes his officially assuming his post.
Ali Abdel Karim Ali met Foreign Minister Fawzi Sallouk at the foreign ministry. Ali is expected to officially present his credentials to the Lebanese President Michel Suleiman on Friday, after which he will be officially considered ambassador.
Lebanon and Syria agreed in 2008 to establish formal ties for the first time since both countries gained independence in 1943 and 44 respectively. Syria has long held powerful influence in Lebanon but was forced to scale back its presence and withdraw its troops in 2005 following an international outcry against the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri.
Many Lebanese blame Syria for Hariri's killing. Damascus has denied any involvement. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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