Lebanon, Syria Agree to Establish Diplomatic Relations

Syrian officials say Lebanon and Syria have agreed to establish diplomatic ties and exchange ambassadors for the first time since the two countries gained independence more than 60 years ago.

A Syrian government adviser says President Bashar al-Assad and his visiting Lebanese counterpart, Michel Suleiman, made the decision during talks Wednesday in Damascus. She says the two leaders instructed their foreign ministers to take the necessary measures to carry out the new agreement.

President Suleiman arrived in Syria today for a landmark two-day trip aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.

The state-owned Syrian newspaper Tishrin hailed the visit as a chance to overcome past mistakes by establishing relations based on mutual respect.

Syria and Lebanon, both former French colonies, have never had formal diplomatic ties, but announced in July that they would open embassies in their respective countries.

Relations between Syria and Lebanon have been strained since the assassination in 2005 of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri, and the forced withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon a few months later. Syria has been widely blamed for the killing but denies involvement.

"Now, Russia is putting its aspirations at risk by taking actions in Georgia that are inconsistent with the principles of those institutions," President Bush said. "To begin to repair the damage to its relations with the United States, Europe, and other nations, and to begin restoring its place in the world, Russia must keep its word and act to end this crisis."

The United States has called for a emergency meeting of NATO foreign ministers to discuss the crisis. NATO says the meeting could take place early next week and that Russia will not attend in its observer status.