Menu
07/03/2005
Syrian forces to be 'redeployed' in Lebanon
Following talks between the Lebanese and Syrian presidents, a withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon is expected to begin soon.
On Monday, according to the Lebanon's defence minister, Abdel Rahim Mrad, the phased redeployment of Syrian forces in Lebanon would begin immediately after the conclusion of talks in Damascus between Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Lebanon's President Emile Lahoud.
A plan drawn up prior to the meeting was expected to be approved by the two leaders and a joint military committee would implement the withdrawal westwards of Syrian forces.
Mr Assad told the Syrian parliament that troops would be withdrawn east of the Bekka Valley and then to the Syrian Border.
The Syrians have been under international pressure to commence a withdrawal of military forces from Lebanon.
The leader of the militant Shi'ite Muslim group Hezbollah, Sheik Hassan Nasrallah said that the objective was for "American and Israel to spread chaos" and find cause for an intervention.
Hezbollah, which the US described as a terrorist group, is the only armed faction remaining in Lebanon following the cessation of military operations against Israeli forces that withdrew from Lebanon in 2000.
The 1989 Taif accord ended over 20 years of strife in Lebanon, which saw Syrian deploy a peacekeeping force a year into the 1975-1990 civil war.
A UN security council resolution 1559 called on Syria to withdraw troops from Lebanon.
(SP)
On Monday, according to the Lebanon's defence minister, Abdel Rahim Mrad, the phased redeployment of Syrian forces in Lebanon would begin immediately after the conclusion of talks in Damascus between Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Lebanon's President Emile Lahoud.
A plan drawn up prior to the meeting was expected to be approved by the two leaders and a joint military committee would implement the withdrawal westwards of Syrian forces.
Mr Assad told the Syrian parliament that troops would be withdrawn east of the Bekka Valley and then to the Syrian Border.
The Syrians have been under international pressure to commence a withdrawal of military forces from Lebanon.
The leader of the militant Shi'ite Muslim group Hezbollah, Sheik Hassan Nasrallah said that the objective was for "American and Israel to spread chaos" and find cause for an intervention.
Hezbollah, which the US described as a terrorist group, is the only armed faction remaining in Lebanon following the cessation of military operations against Israeli forces that withdrew from Lebanon in 2000.
The 1989 Taif accord ended over 20 years of strife in Lebanon, which saw Syrian deploy a peacekeeping force a year into the 1975-1990 civil war.
A UN security council resolution 1559 called on Syria to withdraw troops from Lebanon.
(SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
04 March 2005
Straw calls for Syria to pull out of Lebanon
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has called for Syria to withdraw its troops from Lebanon. The Foreign Secretary's statements follow calls from Russia and Saudi Arabia urging Syria to remove its forces from Lebanon.
Straw calls for Syria to pull out of Lebanon
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has called for Syria to withdraw its troops from Lebanon. The Foreign Secretary's statements follow calls from Russia and Saudi Arabia urging Syria to remove its forces from Lebanon.
28 April 2011
Syrian's Royal Wedding Invite Withdrawn
Foreign Secretary William Hague has decided that the presence of the Syrian Ambassador at the Royal Wedding would be unacceptable and that he should not attend.
Syrian's Royal Wedding Invite Withdrawn
Foreign Secretary William Hague has decided that the presence of the Syrian Ambassador at the Royal Wedding would be unacceptable and that he should not attend.
08 March 2005
Pro-Syrian protest held in Beirut
Thousands of demonstrators have gathered in the Lebanese capital of Beirut to protest about the withdrawal of Syrian troops from the country. The protest, organised by Shi'ite Muslim group, Hizbollah, attracted thousands of pro-Syrian protestors to the city.
Pro-Syrian protest held in Beirut
Thousands of demonstrators have gathered in the Lebanese capital of Beirut to protest about the withdrawal of Syrian troops from the country. The protest, organised by Shi'ite Muslim group, Hizbollah, attracted thousands of pro-Syrian protestors to the city.
10 March 2005
Pro-Syrian Lebanese PM to return to government
Pro-Syrian former Lebanese Prime Minister Omar Karameh has been re-appointed in the post, following his resignation over a week ago. Mr Karameh resigned from his post ten days ago, following anti-Syrian protests in the country.
Pro-Syrian Lebanese PM to return to government
Pro-Syrian former Lebanese Prime Minister Omar Karameh has been re-appointed in the post, following his resignation over a week ago. Mr Karameh resigned from his post ten days ago, following anti-Syrian protests in the country.
29 April 2003
Two British soldiers return after Syrian detention
Two British soldiers who were being held by the Syrian government have been released today, following a visit by a Foreign Office official to Damascus. The soldiers, serving with elite special forces, had been held in Syria since they crossed its borders from northern Iraq.
Two British soldiers return after Syrian detention
Two British soldiers who were being held by the Syrian government have been released today, following a visit by a Foreign Office official to Damascus. The soldiers, serving with elite special forces, had been held in Syria since they crossed its borders from northern Iraq.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Dry with clear skies this evening. Patchy cloud will increase at times overnight, but some clear spells too. Light winds and some patchy shallow mist or fog towards dawn. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
