Lebanese-Syrian summit in Damascus

A high-level Lebanese-Syrian summit was being held in the Syrian capital Damascus Saturday to discuss recent Israeli offers to withdraw from southern Lebanon in exchange for security guarantees, as well as local and regional developments.

Lebanese President Elias Hrawi left Beirut with Prime Minister Rafik Hariri for Damascus early Saturday after talks at the presidential palace. Also taking part in the Damascus meetings were House Speaker Nabih Berri and Foreign Minister Fares Boueiz.

The Lebanese and Syrian sides will coordinate their positions in light of Israel's diplomatic campaign to pull its troops out of Lebanon in return for security arrangements with the Lebanese government.

Lebanon and Syria have both rejected the offer, saying that Israel must withdraw from the border enclave in south Lebanon unconditionally, in accordance with U.N. resolution 425.

The summit came Saturday as Lebanon marked the 20th anniversary of Israel's first invasion of south Lebanon.

It also comes on the eve of a scheduled visit by U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan to the region. Lebanon is expected to push for implementation of the U.N. resolution during Annan's visit to Lebanon March 20.