MP Boutros Harb told Qatari daily Al-Arab that that President Michel Sleiman’s discussions during his upcoming trip to Syria might center on general issues, not specifics.
Harb added that Sleiman’s visit to Damascus is the first step toward redressing relations between Lebanon and Syria.
Sources at the presidential palace told AFP on Tuesday Sleiman will travel to Damascus on August 13 and stay only for the day.
Harb said he hopes President Sleiman manages to lay the foundations for an understanding over Lebanese-Syrian relations in a way that stresses Lebanon’s independence and the potential for friendly relations, “the kind that should exist between neighboring countries.”
He added that he is looking forward to Sleiman’s visit, as “it represents a sign that relations between the two states can develop and evolve,” starting, he said, with dealing with the issues of the Lebanese missing and detained in Syria and the demarcation of the border.