During his visit to Lebanon, British Foreign Secretary David Miliband hosted a question and answer session at the American University of Beirut on Wednesday, in which he confirmed that the UK will be working with Syria on counter-terrorism issues.

Speaking briefly before taking questions from the student body, Miliband stressed that 2009 will be a decisive year for the Middle East. He cited the new US administration's influence as a key factor, and the elections in Israel.

He also said that the window for improving the Palestinian humanitarian crisis and conflict with Israel was narrowing with each month that passes.

Questions from the audience ranged from domestic political issues, such as Britain's consideration of Hezbollah's forces as a terrorist group, to the how closely the UK's foreign policy was tied to the US's. Miliband stressed British independence from America, taking as an example the two-state solution in Israel and Palestine, a plan to which he said Britain has been committed for decades before the US came on board in the last "three of four years."

He also responded to a question about reports that Britain and Syria would be working together on intelligence issues at the highest level. "We will co-operate on counter-terrorism issues," he said.

Miliband then took a question from an eco-tourism employee who asked why British tourists were being advised to travel to Lebanon only if it was essential to do so. The British ambassador, who was also at the talk, said that when Lebanon was safe, the warning might be lifted, but Miliband noted that it was six months since the May clashes in Beirut and promised to look again at the situation.

However, students after the event seemed underwhelmed by Miliband's answers to their questions, feeling his responses to be defensive. "His disdain for ordinary people was barely concealed," said one student.

Miliband also met with Lebanese President Michel Sleiman, Prime Minister Fouad Siniora and parliamentary Future bloc leader MP Saad Hariri.

-NOW Staff