Saudi Arabia appoints new ambassador to Syria

AP, here

"A Saudi diplomat said Monday that the kingdom has appointed a new ambassador to Syria, the strongest sign yet of the solidifying reconciliation between the two rival Arab nations. ....

An official at the Syrian Foreign Ministry said Syria has approved the appointment of a Saudi ambassador, identifying the diplomat as Abdullah al-Eifan. The diplomat at the Saudi Embassy in Damascus said he would assume the post soon.

Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the appointment was not yet official, and gave no further details.

Al-Eifan's appointment is a strong indication that a much talked about summit meeting between the Saudi king and the Syrian president would be held in Damascus in the coming days or weeks.

Observers have suggested a summit in Damascus was unlikely before the king appoints his envoy to Syria. ..."