Assad Stresses 'Keenness on Lebanon's National Unity'

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Wednesday stressed “his keenness on national unity” in Lebanon, stressing that revolt-hit Syria was “heading towards stability.”

During a meeting with ex-MP Faisal al-Daoud, head of the Arab Lebanese Struggle Movement, Assad said he was “reassured about the situation in Syria, which is heading towards stability and the implementation of reforms in a manner that would meet the aspirations of the Syrian people.”

According to a statement issued by the ALSM, the embattled Syrian leader also stressed “his keenness on national unity” in Lebanon and on the peace of mind of the Lebanese people “politically, economically and security-wise.”

The two men also discussed the latest Arab, regional and international developments, said the statement.

Syrian troops staged a brief incursion into Lebanon territory on Tuesday amid fierce clashes with rebel forces, a local official and residents said.

The official, who requested anonymity, said the troops briefly entered the Lebanese side of Masharii al-Qaa, a region that sits along the border between the two countries.

He said one house in the area was hit by mortar shells and gunfire. Its residents had fled shortly before, he added

Another local resident said several houses were hit.

Rami Abdul Rahman, head of the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, confirmed the clashes.

There were no immediate reports of casualties.

Another local official in the Lebanese town of al-Qaa, Mansour Saad, told Agence France Presse that Syrian troops were apparently chasing rebels trying to flee to Lebanon.

The border area is used by smugglers and by Syrians fleeing the violence in their country to Lebanon.