Diplomatic groups abandon Damascus

Beirut International Airport saw Thursday the exodus of Damascus’ foreign diplomats as reports strongly indicate that Syrian Vice President Farouk al-Sharaa’s family arrived in Lebanon two days ago. The reports remain unconfirmed by security sources. For the second day running, three foreign diplomats departed Syria, including Russian Ambassador Azamat Kulmuhametov, who headed to Moscow via Dubai; Romanian Ambassador Danut-Florin Sandovici and Indian Ambassador V.P. Haran, who departed for his country via Dubai. The family of Syrian Vice President Farouk al-Sharaa is also reported to have arrived in Beirut two days ago. Security sources are yet to confirm these reports which have been circulating in pro-regime and opposition political and party circles alike.