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International envoy to Syria Lakhdar Brahimi arrives in Beirut for talks with officials as part of a regional tour aimed at ending the bloodshed in Syria.

Brahimi was to meet with Lebanese President Michel Suleiman, Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Najib Mikati.

A Syrian government spokesman said on Wednesday it was hoped Brahimi's talks with Middle East states would help prospects for a "constructive initiative" to end its civil war, but reiterated that any peace plan must be respected by both sides.

Brahimi has called for a ceasefire to mark the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha later this month, after holding talks with leaders from several countries in the region - including allies and opponents of President Bashar al-Assad.

The envoy is expected to return to Damascus after concluding his meetings in the region to inform Syrian leaders about the results of his talks.