President Nasser flew into Damascus Airport Feb 21 to celebrate the third anniversary of the formation by Egypt and Syria of the United Arab Republic.

He was warmly greeted by the Chairman of the Syrian regional Cabinet, Colonel Abdel Hamid Serraj, and other members of the Government against a colourful background of Moslem sheikhs, Christian clergy and thousands of cheering spectators.

On arrival at Latakia the previous day, President Nasser denied rumours that he intended to remove Colonel Serraj from office to placate some leading Syrian.

His visit followed soon after the imposure of exchange control in Syria, and it was thought that administrative changes might have been made to coincide with his visits.