Syrian forces in Lebanon will start redeploying towards the Syrian border Tuesday, official sources in Damascus told UPI. "This is official," said Imad Mustapha, Syria's ambassador to Washington, speaking from the Syrian capital. "Tuesday morning there will be a major redeployment of Syrian forces in Lebanon," he said by phone, adding this came about as a result of "having greater confidence in the situation."
"This move should please all parties," said Mustapha. Asked how many troops were involved in the redeployment and to what positions the troops would move, Mustapha said, "It is too early to tell." The Syrian official said the move is evidence Syria is trying to cooperate with the United States. Earlier it was announced Syrian and U.S. forces would partake in joint patrols along to Iraqi-Syrian border to prevent insurgents infiltrating into Iraq. Mustapha confirmed the deal, saying it came about after a visit to Damascus by American officials. |