Beirut: Lebanon and Syria will establish joint committees to address outstanding issues between the two countries, including border demarcation and conditions of Syrian refugees, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun announced on Monday during a meeting with a French Senate delegation in Beirut.
According to Anadolu Agency, the committees will focus on the demarcation of land and maritime borders and the conditions of Syrian refugees in Lebanon, which have significant economic implications. This move comes amidst heightened security concerns, as the Lebanese army recently declared 'extraordinary security measures' along the border following renewed clashes.
The Lebanon-Syria border, stretching approximately 375 kilometers, is characterized by its challenging geography and is marked by six official land crossings. Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in December, Syria's new leadership has prioritized restoring internal stability and regaining control over its borders, particularly with Lebanon.
The urgency for enhanced cooperation between the two nations escalated following a border incident in mid-March. During this incident, Syria's Defense Ministry accused the Lebanese group Hezbollah of kidnapping and killing three of its soldiers, an allegation Hezbollah has denied.
Additionally, President Aoun emphasized the importance of bringing all weapons under state control, asserting that it is imperative to avoid reverting to a 'language of war.' He suggested that Hezbollah members could integrate into the Lebanese army through training. However, Hezbollah's Secretary-General Naim Qassem has firmly opposed the disarmament of the group, stating that the idea should be dismissed.
The region has been under a fragile ceasefire since November, following a conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Despite the ceasefire, Lebanese authorities have reported numerous Israeli violations, resulting in casualties and injuries. The ceasefire agreement required Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon by January 26, but the deadline was extended to February 18 due to non-compliance. Israel continues to maintain a military presence at several border outposts.