October 14, 2008	Tuesday	Shawwal 14, 1429

BAGHDAD: Syria’s first ambassador to Iraq in 26 years took up his post in Baghdad on Monday, marking the official end of more than two decades of frosty relations, the government said.

Nawaf Fares, who was the governor of Quneitra in the Golan Heights, presented his credentials in Baghdad Monday, a statement from the foreign ministry said.

Fares’ appointment will “enhance relations with Syria and take us to a new phase of cooperation and coordination in the interest of both countries,” it said.

He is the first Syrian ambassador to Baghdad in almost three decades due to rivalry between the opposing wings of the Baath party which rules Syria and held power in Saddam’s Iraq.—AFP