An ARF delegation representing the Central Committee of Lebanon visited Aleppo and met with Dr. Bashar al-Assad–President of Syria. The delegation was composed of representative Hovig Mkhitarian–Central Committee members Tsolag Tutelian and Stepan Der Berdosian–and Youth and Sports Minister of Lebanon Dr. Sebouh Hovnanian.
The nearly hour-and-a-half talks focused on issues related to friendly inter-governmental relations between Syria and Lebanon as well as issues of concern to both countires and the regional situation.
On this occasion–President Assad reaffirmed the necessity of adhering to the rule of law in Lebanon and supporting government establishmen’s–and he affirmed the importance of respecting the rights of all communities in Lebanon.
He praised Lebanese-Armenia’s for the political positions they have adopted at various stages and the role of the Syrian- and Lebanese-Armenian communities. President Assad affirmed his complete and unqualified willingness to raise Lebanese and Syrian relations to an ideal level in order to secure the interests of both countries.
The Taef accords were also discussed–as well as the imperative of respecting their spirit and fundamental principles–taking into account that those accords were the primary factor in bringing the Lebanese Civil War to and end and making the revitalization of Lebanon possible.
President Assad expressed interest toward and an understanding of all the issues raised by the ARF Central Committee of Lebanon delegation–and the mutual examination of those issues was conducted in a positive atmosphere. The two sides agreed to continue holding meetings and consultations.