Security Council to Syria: Set border with Lebanon

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
The UN Security Council adopted a resolution Wednesday pressing Syria to establish diplomatic relations and set its border with Lebanon, which it said would be "a significant step" to asserting Lebanon's sovereignty and political independence. The resolution, co-sponsored by the United States, France and Britain, was approved by a vote of 13-0 with Russia and China abstaining. They have argued that the resolution is not needed and would constitute UN interference in bilateral Lebanese-Syrian relations. The Lebanese government and all political parties in the country have called on Syria to establish diplomatic ties with Beirut and mark their border, which includes the disputed Chebaa Farms region. The Security Council, in Wednesday's resolution, "strongly encourages the government of Syria to respond positively to the request made by the government of Lebanon, in line with the agreements of the Lebanese national dialogue, to delineate their common border ... and to establish full diplomatic relations and representation."