Assad Congratulates Suleiman on Forming Lebanese Government
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Tuesday congratulated Lebanon on the formation of a new unity government, hoping it will bring prosperity to the country, SANA news agency said.
Assad, in a message to Lebanese President Michel Suleiman, "expressed hope that this period will be one of prosperity for the Lebanese republic and the brotherly people of Lebanon," the state-run news agency reported.
Syria dominated Lebanon for nearly three decades until April 2005 when it withdrew its troops from the neighboring country under Lebanese and international pressure.
Assad ordered his troops out two months after the assassination in Beirut of former prime minister Rafik Hariri, whose murder was blamed on Syria despite strong denials from Damascus.
On Monday, capping nearly five months of wrangling with political rivals, Hariri”s son, Saad Hariri, announced the formation of a national unity government.