By Xinhua,
Cairo : Syria’s decree to establish diplomatic relations with Lebanon is a first step in the right direction, visiting leader of the Lebanese Forces Party Samir Geagea said here on Tuesday.
Geagea made the remarks at a dinner banquet hosted by Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit, the Egyptian MENA news agency reported.
However, Geagea said the Syrian move is not enough, urging more steps to settle pending issues between Lebanon and Syria.
“Other needed moves are required, especially regarding those Lebanese missing and held captive in Syria,” said Geagea, stressing the necessity of border demarcation between the two neighboring countries.
Earlier on Tuesday, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad issued a decree to establish diplomatic ties with Lebanon.
Syria and Lebanon failed to establish diplomatic relations since their independence from the French colonial rule in the 1940s.
In a statement issued by Egyptian Foreign Ministry, Abul Gheit reiterated his country’s support to Lebanon at such a critical period of its history.
During talks with Geagea, Abul Gheit said Egypt is ready to work with all the Lebanese parties to secure the stability and security of Lebanon, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hossam Zaki said in the statement.
Earlier in the day, Geagea also held talks with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, reviewing the latest developments in Lebanon.