Syria establishes diplomatic ties with Lebanon

Syria's president issued a decree yesterday establishing diplomatic relations with Lebanon, and a foreign ministry official said the country will have an embassy in Beirut by the end of the year.
The two countries have not had formal diplomatic relations since they gained independence from France in the 1940s.
Lebanon and Syria agreed earlier this year to establish diplomatic ties and demarcate their contentious border. The West and Lebanese anti-Syrian politicians have long demanded Syria recognize Lebanon's sovereignty by establishing official relations.
The landmark agreement, which came during an official visit by the Lebanese president to Damascus in April, and Tuesday's formal decree reflect Syria's efforts to break with past isolationist policies and resolve tensions with its neighbours.