Syria and Lebanon to discuss security and refugee issues

Damascus, Mar 25^th. - A Lebanese delegation, headed by Defense Minister Michel Menassa, will head to Damascus on Wednesday to discuss with the Syrian side several border security and refugee issues.

Official sources quoted by the Syrian media indicated that the delegation will also include the Director of Security General Hassan Choucair and the head of intelligence of the Lebanese Army, Tony Kahwaji.

During the visit, the Lebanese delegation plans to meet with the Syrian Minister of Defence, Marhaf Abu Qasra, and with the Syrian Director of General Intelligence, Anas Khattab, to discuss ways to improve security cooperation between the two countries.

The talks will address the impact of recent clashes on the border between the two neighbouring countries, in addition to mechanisms to address the issue of Syrian refugees.

Violent clashes and exchange of artillery and rocket shelling took place on 14, 15 and 16, in the Syrian border areas with Lebanon.

Syrian military sources confirmed the deaths of 13 soldiers and two civilians on the Syrian side while Lebanon reported seven dead and 52 wounded, in addition to a wave of movement into its territory. (PL) (Photo: Internet taken)