Summit Planning Brings Syrian Leader to Beirut

Syrian President Bashar Assad made an official trip to Lebanon, the first such visit in 27 years despite Syria’s strong influence over its smaller neighbor.

Assad met with Lebanese President Emile Lahoud to discuss an Arab summit scheduled in Beirut this month. The two said a settlement of the Mideast conflict must include a full Israeli withdrawal from occupied Arab territories and the return of Palestinian refugees.

Lebanese criticism of Syria’s dominance has grown since Israel withdrew its troops in May 2000. But Lebanon’s government has said the Syrian presence is needed for stability as the country recovers from its 1975-90 civil war.