Farewell ceremony ends Syria's Lebanon presence

SYRIA'S 29-year military presence in Lebanon ended yesterday when Syrian soldiers flashing victory signs crossed back over the border, completing a retreat brought about by international pressure and massive Lebanese protests.

At a farewell ceremony near their shared border, a Syrian commander told Lebanese troops: "Brothers in arms, so long." The soldiers responded: "So long."

A Lebanese commander then addressed his words to the Syrians, saying: "Brothers in arms, thank you for your sacrifices." His soldiers repeated: "Thank you for your sacrifices."