World IN BRIEF : SYRIA : Peace Talks Pave Way for Christopher Visit

Presidents Hafez Assad of Syria and Elias Hrawi of Lebanon met to discuss the Middle East peace process in preparation for Secretary of State Warren Christopher’s visit to the region this month. Christopher is trying to revive peace talks between Syria and Israel, which have stalemated since February. Lebanon, which is dominated by Syria, has stressed it will resume talks only when Syria does. Syria wants a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Golan Heights, which Israel captured in 1967 and annexed in 1981. Sources close to Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri said Christopher will probably visit Beirut this trip.