Syria's army and intelligence agents on Thursday ended the first stage of their pullback to eastern Lebanon's border, with about 4,000 soldiers having crossed into Syria and the rest positioning themselves along the Lebanese side of the border.
"They have finished their redeployment," a senior Lebanese army officer told The Associated Press.
Meanwhile, a top Lebanese security official said he and other officials were willing to stand trial to clear allegations of negligence in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, which prompted demands by the international community for Syria's withdrawal.
Jamil Sayyed, head of the powerful General Security Department and a close aide of President Emile Lahoud, said Thursday he and other officials were willing to stand trial to clear their names. "All the heads of security institutions are ready for trial and accountability," he said at a news conference. "We have no secrets to be embarrassed of."
