Syria, Lebanon to negotiate border demarcation

Syria and Lebanon agreed Thursday to negotiate the demarcation of their border, a longtime demand of the Lebanese as they seek to normalize relations with their long dominant larger neighbor.

The demarcation is a key symbolic move recognizing Lebanon's sovereignty, as is a decision by the two

countries a day earlier to establish diplomatic ties for the first time. But it won't mean an end to Syria's influence in Lebanon, and some Lebanese - as well as Washington - remain concerned Damascus will continue to try to exercise power in its neighbor. (AP)