Bashar al-Assad visits Lebanon, renews Syria's support

Col. Bashar al-Assad, son of Syrian President Hafez al-Assad, has renewed Damascus' support for the Lebanese president and government.

This was expressed during the meeting held with Col. al-Assad and Lebanese President Emile Lahoud in the former's first visit to Baabda palace following the election of President Lahoud.

The Syrian official was accompanied by commander of the Syrian troops in Lebanon, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Safi, and the chief of security and intelligence in these forces, Lt. Gen. Ghazi Kanaan. Talks dealt with the current conditions in Lebanon and the region.

Later in the day, Col. Bashar, Lt. Gen Safi and Lt. Gen. Kanaan visited former Lebanese President Elias Hrawi at his residence in al-Yarzeh for and they had lunch at his home.