New York - Lebanon and Syria have moved to fully implement a UN Security Council resolution to end decades of conflicts by establishing diplomatic ties, a UN special envoy in the Middle East said Thursday.

The council asked in 2004 that Syria end its interference, both military and political, in Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Syria ended the military occupation in
2005 following the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.

On October 15, Beirut and Damascus signed an accord to establish diplomatic ties and consolidate their relationship through mutual respect for their sovereignty and independence.

In September the Lebanese parliament adopted new electoral law and was able to democratically elect a president after breaking deadlock on the selection of candidates that left the presidency vacant for months.

The UN envoy, Terge Roed Larsen, said "major strides" had been made this year toward fulfilling Resolution 1559, pointing out the most significant progress since 2004 has been the democratic presidential election. (dpa)