The Syrian regime faced a chorus of global reproach today as envoys from Turkey, India, Brazil and South Africa headed to Damascus to press President Bashar Assad to end his violent crackdown on a five-month-old uprising.

Syrian president Bashar Assad replaced his defence minister with the army chief of staff in the midst of a brutal military crackdown on a five-month-old uprising, the state-run news agency said.

Syria today informed the United Nations its forces have completed their withdrawal from Lebanon, according to the Foreign Ministry.

Syria ended its 29-year military presence in Lebanon today with a farewell ceremony near their shared border, where a Syrian commander told Lebanese troops: “Brothers in arms, so long.”

Syrian special forces joined Lebanese troops today at a Lebanese air base near the Syrian border, and shouted “long live Bashar!” in homage to the Syrian leader, as they prepared for a farewell ceremony marking the end of Syria’s 29-year military involvement with its smaller neighbour.