On Powell's visit to Syria, Lebanon

Syria's President Bashar al-Assad received on Saturday morning U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell and an accompanying delegation.

Talks during the meeting dealt with many issues of mutual concern particularly the Iraqi issue, the peace process in the Middle East and bilateral relations.

For his part Powell expressed his country's care for Iraqi unity stressing that the forthcoming government should represent all Iraqi factions and should have good relations with neighbor countries specially with Syria.

He also talked about the Road Map as a part of the comprehensive solution for the Arab-Israeli conflict stressing the American administration's interest in achieving just and comprehensive peace in the region and the return of Arab occupied territories including Golan.

Talks between President Assad and Powell were clear, frank and positive where there was an agreement on the continuation of contacts and coordination to the interest of security and stability in the region.

Later on, Powell left Damascus heading to Beirut after a two-days visit to Syria.

Later in the day in Beirut, the Lebanese President Emil Lahoud reviewed with U.S. Secretary of State, Colin Powell, the latest developments in the region and the situation in Iraq and the occupied Palestinian territories.

Lebanese premier, Rifik Al-Hariri, Parliament Speaker, Nabih Berri, and Foreign Minister, Jan Obied, attended the meeting.