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DAMASCUS: Lebanon's Prime Minister, Saad al-Hariri, who has blamed neighbouring Syria for the assassination of his father, has visited Damascus for the first time since the 2005 killing, a trip that a close associate said was very difficult for him.
Even though the slaying of his father in a massive truck bombing in Beirut is unresolved, Mr Hariri's visit could open the way for a new era in relations between the countries, which have been characterised by upheaval and suspicion for decades.
Mr Hariri, 39, who became prime minister last month, was greeted warmly by the Syrian President, Bashar al-Assad, upon his arrival at the presidential palace at the start of his two-day visit. Lebanese media said he would attend a dinner banquet hosted by Mr Assad.
Their meeting helped to ''dispel the past [differences]'', a spokeswoman for Mr Assad said.
''There is no doubt that the ice has been broken between the two sides.'' She noted that Syria ''broke with protocol'' by inviting Mr Hariri to stay at the Tishrin palace, which is usually reserved for visiting heads of state.
The leaders discussed border issues and Israel.
Associated Press, Agence France-Presse
Hariri steps out from the shadow of father's death
Even though the slaying of his father in a massive truck bombing in Beirut is unresolved, Mr Hariri's visit could open the way for a new era in relations between the countries, which have been characterised by upheaval and suspicion for decades.
Mr Hariri, 39, who became prime minister last month, was greeted warmly by the Syrian President, Bashar al-Assad, upon his arrival at the presidential palace at the start of his two-day visit. Lebanese media said he would attend a dinner banquet hosted by Mr Assad.
Their meeting helped to ''dispel the past [differences]'', a spokeswoman for Mr Assad said.
''There is no doubt that the ice has been broken between the two sides.'' She noted that Syria ''broke with protocol'' by inviting Mr Hariri to stay at the Tishrin palace, which is usually reserved for visiting heads of state.
The leaders discussed border issues and Israel.
Associated Press, Agence France-Presse
Hariri steps out from the shadow of father's death
