Syria’s official news agency said Shara and UN envoy Terje Roed-Larsen had “reviewed the negative impact” of UN Security Council resolution 1559 on the situation in Lebanon.

Roed-Larsen was sent to review progress on the resolution.

Lebanese groups opposed to the presence of Syria’s 14,000 troops and Syria’s political grip on their country have seized on the resolution, and their criticism has grown louder with the approach of Lebanese elections in May.

The Syrian agency said Shara “expressed regret that some international resolutions became reasons of tension instead of being factors for preserving and enhancing international peace and security”.

Roed-Larsen declined comment. It was not immediately clear if President Bashar al-Assad would receive Roed-Larsen before he leaves for Lebanon.

Shara called on the international community to “avoid being selective in implementing international resolutions”.

Syria often complains the world community has failed to oblige arch-foe Israel to quit occupied Arab land, a requirement of several UN Security Council resolutions.

Earlier this month Syria signalled a change in its approach towards Lebanon by sending a senior Foreign Ministry official to open dialogue with Lebanese politicians, including those opposed to its grip on its smaller neighbour.

In recent months Damascus redeployed some of its forces in Lebanon to the eastern Bekaa near the border area.