Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki urged for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Lebanon, the official Syria Times newspaper reported on Wednesday.

The two leaders made the call during a meeting on late Tuesday in Damascus, said the report.

The two also called for the withdrawal of Israeli troops beyond the Blue Line that divides Lebanon and Israel, highlighting the importance of continuing contacts with the international community for this end, the paper said.

In addition, Mottaki briefed Assad on his talks with the Lebanese officials and French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste- Blazy during his recent visit to Beirut.

The two sides also vowed solidarity with the Lebanese people and their "brave resistance", the report added.

Mottaki arrived here on Tuesday evening after a two-day visit to Lebanon.

Israel has continued a massive assault against Lebanon's Shiite group Hezbollah and expanded its ground operations.

The violence between Israel and Hezbollah erupted on July 12 in the wake of the abduction of two Israeli soldiers by Hezbollah guerillas in cross-border raids.

Source: Xinhua