UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said that Syria has promised to adhere to the UNSC Resolution 1701 demanding an arms embargo on the Hezbollah but objected “to the presence of foreign forces along the Syrian-Lebanese border.”

However, Syria reportedly promised to step up border security and run joint patrols with the Lebanese Army. This is the first time that Syria has conceded that it had helped Hezbollah directly or indirectly. Lebanon says that it plans to deploy 8600 troops along its border with Syria and says it has no plans to inter-work with international peacekeepers on this border.

Anan also Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to assist obtaining the release of captured Israeli soldiers--the incident that triggered the invasion of Lebanon. Hezbollah has been demanding the release of Lebanese prisoners in Israel and third party mediation. Assad also “raised the question of the Syrian prisoners and called for their release.” The 14 Syrians are being held by Israel for resisting its occupation of the Golan Heights .

Annan did not say whether he had discussed Syrian responsibilities on the UNSC resolution which includes demarcation of the Lebanese border—an issue it violently opposes