05/12/2008 Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem confirmed that an embassy would be established in Lebanon by year's end, noting that the appointment of an ambassador would take place gradually.
Moallem said that the head of the Change and Reform parliamentary bloc MP Michel Aoun "came to Syria to write a new white page together with President Bashar Assad." Moallem, however, said it was premature to talk about the outcome of Aoun's visit.

He also reiterated that the Israeli-occupied Shebaa Farms area belongs to Lebanon. Moallem revealed that Syria's representative to the UN had presented documents that prove Shebaa Farms belongs to Lebanon.
 
"Shebaa Farms are Lebanese. It is not an issue between Lebanon and Syria. Occupation is the issue," Moallem said. He rejected calls to demarcate Shebaa Farms at the time being, saying those who demand demarcation "are defending continuation of the Israeli occupation."

The Syrian minister, meanwhile, said that Aoun's current visit to Syria will certainly enhance his popularity. "Aoun's visit to Syria will boost his popularity because he is honest," he said. "We are friendly brothers with Gen. Aoun because there are common traits between him and President (Bashar) Assad -- honesty, credibility and devotion to the Lebanese people in Lebanon and to the Syrians in Syria," Moallem emphasized.
 
He described as "a success" a recent visit by Interior Minister Ziad Baroud to Syria. "Some people in Lebanon, however, who are committed to pursuing their own political agenda, don't care about the interest of the Lebanese people," Moallem complained.
 
In response to a question, Muallem said Assad has received Lebanese army commander Jean Kahwaji in his capacity as commander in chief of the Syrian army and armed forces. Moallem said Assad will also receive Defense Minister Elias Murr if he should visit Syria.
 
Regarding missing Lebanese in Syrian jails, Moallem stressed that a committee made up of judges "has stepped up its work to reach a settlement on the issue."
"Concerning those (Lebanese) convicted, there should be an exchange agreement between Lebanon and Syria," he argued.
 
He said there is no disagreement between France and Syria over Lebanon's sovereignty or the international tribunal, stressing that Damascus "rejects any deal at the expense of any Arab country."