Allawi starts a visit to Damascus today

Iraq's prime minister Eyad Allawi starts today his first visit to Damascus to lay the foundation for positive relations with the Syrians who announced their desire to " shut down damaging doors " against relations between the two states.

A well-informed Syrian source said that Allawi will find a Syrian understanding for several common issues and of concern to the two sides and that Damascus will give him "assurances" he needs in these matters.

Syrian official sides indicated that al-Assad and vice president Khaddam will receive Allawi on Saturday and he will move to Beirut on Sunday.

The Syrian source added that in areas of differences, Allawi will ask " assurances and cooperation and we will respond to him." He expressed Syria's desire to " finalize the story of border control " the Iraqi officials often talk about and that the file " of the Iraqi money" will be settled.