OIC applauds Syrian-Lebanese accord to establish diplomatic

of the Islamic Conference (OIC), Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, has applauded the announcement made by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his Lebanese counterpart Michel Suleiman to establish diplomaticrelations at ambassadorial level.

In a press statement issued here yesterday, The Secretary General pointed out that this crucial step will support the development of relations between the two countries. He expressed his satisfaction over the agreement of both presidents to form joint committees to discuss the demarcation of borders and other pending issues as well as setting into motion mechanisms slated to boost bilateral relationsto the benefit of their countries.

Prof. Ihsanoglu lauded the meeting held between the two presidents to discuss and resolve various issues between the two countries. He stated that such discussions will contribute to paving the way to resolve all issues that have hitherto impeded the development of relations between Syria and Lebanon and the consolidation ofconfidence between the two countries.

On another level, the Secretary General condemned the terrorist bombing that rocked the city of Tripoli in northern Lebanon, causingthe death of 14 military and civilian martyrs.

He added that, hopefully, similar acts of violence would not affect the positive atmosphere unraveling in Lebanon after the Government of National Unity won a vote of confidence in parliament and thebreakthrough in Lebanese politics.

He also wished that the national dialogue among Lebanese factions would meet with success, stating that the OIC is ready to take on any role that would support and strengthen the unity, security andstability of Lebanon.