Syria's envoy expresses understanding over new Lebanon visa requirements

 Syrian Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Abdel-Karim Ali expressed his country's understanding of the recent measures Lebanon imposed on Syrians entering the country.
“These measures are part of a [larger] equation to find means of organization as a result of great pressure on the government ... as well as foreign pressure,” Ali told reporters after meeting with former Lebanese Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss, according to Lebanese Daily Star newspaper.
“I think that the steps taken are better than previous ones and we are with the Lebanese government [on that]. This issue needs the right diagnosis and coordination between the two countries,” the Syrian ambassador said.
“The issue of Syrians entering and exiting [Lebanon] requires coordination and integration between concerned agencies in the two countries.”
In an unprecedented move, Lebanon imposed entry restrictions for Syrian nationals who will require a visa starting Jan. 5.
General Security said in a statement earlier this week that Syrians could apply for six types of entry visas, including tourist, business, student, transit, short stay and medical.
Officials have said that such restrictions have limited the influx into Lebanon in recent months.