Syria Begins Retreat to Bekaa

Lebanese Defense Minister Abdurrahim Murat has announced that Syria will begin its retreat to the Bekaa valley following a meeting between Syrian President Bessar Asad and his Lebanese counterpart Emil Lahud this morning.

The prime ministers and foreign ministers of both Syria and Lebanon will also attend this morning’s critical meeting to discuss the two-phased withdrawal plan and the timetable.

Syria’s withdrawal from Lebanon after many years of civil war is being described as a "historic" development despite a lack of Israeli initiative to pull its troops out of Syria as Syria as demanded.

Meanwhile, government supporters gathered in the capital city of Beirut and announced that they will not recognize United Nations (UN) resolution 1559. Some Lebanese groups are planning to hold a peaceful protest at Rasih Soloh Square on Tuesday (March 8) in opposition to the UN resolution.