On December 20, the Lebanese National News Agency carried the following report:

Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri held a press conference this afternoon at the headquarters of the Lebanese embassy in Damascus to conclude his two-day visit to Syria, in the presence of Lebanon’s ambassador to Damascus, Michel Khoury, and charge d’affaires Rami Murtada. He said: “Yesterday, we launched talks with President Bashar al-Assad who wanted to make sure that the relations are inaugurated in a friendly and honest way between the two sides, especially since all the discussions were made on the basis of joint interests between the two countries, states and people. We thus addressed all the issues of interest and there is nothing we disregarded. We tackled all matters positively and I only saw positiveness from President Bashar al-Assad at the level of the issues of importance to the Lebanese and the relations between the two countries.

“We want to open new horizons between the two countries and look at the situation from a ‘cup half full’ perception. We see positiveness and are trying to resolve the problems in a non-provocative way, thus showing calm and honesty for the benefit of the two countries. Based on that, the talks were good, even excellent, and they were conducted in a clear and honest way. We are wagering on the future to build a better future for the two countries, whether at the level of economy, trade or all other sectors. For his part, and throughout the meetings, President Bashar al-Assad made sure to show that what was important for him on the Lebanese level was to enjoy truthful relations built on common to understanding. As for us in Lebanon, we want the Golan to be returned to Syria, just like it is important for Syria to see the return of the occupied Lebanese territories from Israel to Lebanon. There will be ongoing consultations over this issue.

“We want exceptional relations with Syria and for these relations to be built on honesty and truthfulness. The meetings that were held yesterday upon my arrival and then around dinner and this morning, were all built on honesty and truthfulness. We looked into the interests of the two countries and the way to ensure the development of [our] relations in a positive way. We do not want to look at things negatively or score points against one another. This will not serve our countries. What will serve them however is work on the basis of the interests of the two countries and people, so that we can move forward. We also stressed the necessity to secure economic and trade cooperation on a wider scale, as well as the necessity to facilitate the relations between the institutions and ministries in all areas.”

How will the Lebanese government translate this positive climate politically and economically following your return to Beirut?

This requires several steps on which we agreed with Mr. President. We also agreed on what we will do together to secure practical steps on the ground and to let the people see that these relations are not only personal between two individuals, but are also built on foundations serving the two countries and people.

Will this visit affect your political alliances?

I am the prime minister of all of Lebanon and President Al-Assad wanted to see the formation of a national unity government that would bring together all the Lebanese. In this context, when I entered the national alliance, the concord or the national unity government, my entry was based on the fact that we wanted to bring all the Lebanese together. My allies and all the ministers in this government are ministers for all of Lebanon, just like the prime minister is one for all of Lebanon...

What will you carry to the March 14 alliance which is the ally of the Future Movement following this meeting which was described as being warm between yourself and the Syrian president?

I came here as the prime minister of all of Lebanon, not as the head of the government of a Lebanese political team. Therefore, our concern in this government and the concern of all the political parties is to build friendly relations between the two states and the two people. This is what all the parties in the Lebanese government want and what was featured in the ministerial statement on the basis of which the government earned the vote of confidence of parliament...

On the other hand, we agreed on many things which were addressed yesterday by Dr. Butheina Shaban, whether regarding the demarcation or definition of the border or regarding other things. At this point, I would like to point out that no one here is trying to score points against the other. We want to build truthful and real relations... 
There is no doubt there was coldness at a previous stage, but now we have talked and President Al-Assad was very clear in saying that Syria’s interest also required the presence of a climate of honesty between the two countries and people...

What was the Saudi role in the rapprochement between Syria and the Lebanese government? Did you address Al-Ghajar village and the intention of the Zionist entity to withdraw from it?

This visit and all the meetings that were held fall in the context of the Arab reconciliation which was launched by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz in Kuwait, then in Riyadh and Qatar. Today, we are seeing its outcome and with God’s will, there will be future reconciliations to unify the Arab ranks in the face of the regional challenges posed by Israel. There is also the Palestinian dossier and the Israeli obstinacy toward the withdrawal from the occupied Lebanese territories and from the Golan, as well as toward the peaceful resolution of the Palestinian cause. Today, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia undoubtedly played a major role and we will proceed down that path...

What about Al-Ghajar?

This is a Lebanese affair. We explained to them what is happening and will put this issue forward before the Cabinet so that the right decision is adopted.

Did the Syrian side raise the issue of the international tribunal and the political accusations to Syria of standing behind the assassinations?

We did not address the issue, but there is clear and blunt talk in this regard. What President Al-Assad said in the past was that the international tribunal was in the hands of the international community and we also said the same. The tribunal is doing its job and we all want the truth.

Did you tackle the warrants and lawsuits filed by the Syrian judiciary?

I did not and neither did President Al-Assad. I believe that this issue will be resolved by the relevant apparatuses...

Can you say that the sky is blue at the level of the relations between Lebanon and Syria? And what is the timetable for your future steps?

The sky has been blue for a long time. As you know, we now have a Cabinet and many things will be tackled through contacts between the chairmanships of the Cabinets in both countries to activate the executive steps on the ground on the economic and trade levels, as well as in regard to the border among other issues. At this point, I would like to reiterate an important thing. I am talking to you the journalists who are playing a prominent role: This visit, as it was described by some, is historical and the beneficial talk is based on positiveness... You the journalists should be positive when covering this visit, especially in light of what President Al-Assad did for me and the reception he planned... Every issue that was on the table was met with openness from President Al-Assad, namely the ones of importance to the Lebanese. Finally, I would like to thank President Al-Assad for this visit and the Syrian people as well, and everything will move forward with God’s will.

What are the guarantees for that?

We are. The sky will remain blue and the relations will be good with God’s will.