Lebanon and Syria are close to reaching a judicial agreement concerning Syrian detainees in Lebanon, fugitives from Syrian justice, and Lebanese nationals in Syria, officials from both countries announced on Tuesday.
At a joint press conference in Beirut with Lebanese Justice Minister Adel Nassar and Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri, Syrian Justice Minister Mazhar al-Wais stated that the two countries’ positions were “closely aligned,” and the discussions were proceeding within the correct legal framework, reported Syria’s state news agency SANA.
Special teams have been formed to investigate and pursue justice, he added.
Nassar confirmed that “significant progress” has been made in drafting the legal text of the agreement. However, he emphasized that the agreement would not cover individuals involved in serious crimes such as murder or rape, whether committed against civilians or Lebanese military personnel.
He said he had “constructive and positive” talks with the Syrian officials over the issues, underscoring both countries’ commitment to respecting the legal frameworks of the agreement, ensuring the sovereignty of Lebanon and Syria, and their shared desire for cooperation.
Nassar added that they also discussed obtaining information from Syria about assassinations that had taken place in Lebanon. He said Damascus is responsive to cooperating with Beirut.
Meanwhile, Mitri reiterated Lebanon’s political will to resolve the issue of detained Syrians in Lebanon. He added that al-Wais would visit Roumieh Prison, as part of Syria’s right to meet its detained or convicted citizens abroad.
Mitri revealed that around 2,300 Syrians are currently detained or serving sentences in Lebanon. Future meetings on this issue will take place alternately between Beirut and Damascus.
He further stressed that Lebanese-Syrian relations extend beyond the judicial cooperation agreement on detainees, with ongoing discussions on border issues, refugees, and other matters.
A delegation from the Syrian Ministry of Justice, led by al-Wais, had arrived in Beirut on Tuesday to explore ways to support joint efforts in alleviating the plight of Syrian detainees in Lebanon and ensuring justice to protect their dignity and rights.
The judicial meetings between Lebanon and Syria have been garnering attention from leaderships in both countries. Reaching a new judicial agreement will pave the way for a new phase in cooperation.
An informed Lebanese official source told Asharq Al-Awsat that the agreement was necessary and once ratified, will serve the interests of both countries.
An agreement must be reached, it added.
It revealed that Lebanon is vehemently opposed to handing over any Syrian suspect or convict involved in the killing of members of the Lebanese army or carrying out terrorist bombings in Lebanon.
It may hand over suspects who had provided the perpetrators with logistic or financial support, it went on to say.
Lebanon has shown flexibility in releasing all 2,300 Syrian detainees, except some 500 who are held on charges related to murder, rape and dangerous drug networks, the source said.
The move aims to ease overcrowding in Lebanese jails, it stated, revealing that Syrians make up 35 percent of the inmates.
The agreement is expected to be finalized in weeks and presented to the Lebanese parliament before the relevant laws are drafted and ratified, it explained.
