Syrian military and intelligence facilities, after the destruction of sensitive documents or the transportation of logistical material, were turned over to Lebanese counterparts.

Within hours of the shelling, Israel had apologized for what it said was a mistake by its Lebanese counterparts.

His Lebanese counterpart, Michel Suleiman, however, asserted Lebanon's right to host foreign dignitary.

Other Israeli bloggers have noted instant messaging conversations with their Lebanese counterparts in Beirut even as Israeli bombs fell on the city.

The Syrian president, Hafez al-Assad, reportedly telephoned his Lebanese counterpart, Emile Lahoud, to coordinate their positions.

After another bitter and futile day of talks, Israeli negotiators told their Syrian, Lebanese, Palestinian and Jordanian counterparts that they planned to leave Thursday afternoon.

On June 7, the completed map showing the withdrawal line was formally transmitted by the force commander of UNIFIL to his Lebanese and Israeli counterparts.

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz expressed these views while talking to his Lebanese counterpart Fouad Siniora on Sunday.

However, his Lebanese counterpart, Michel Suleiman, who had invited him, and other opposition figures hailed the visit.

His Lebanese counterpart, Ali al-Shami, said Iran was seeking "nuclear energy for peaceful aims and it was not deviating from the treaty."