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2h ago

Syria and Lebanon Open New Page With First High-Level Visit Since Assad’s Ouster

Damascus pledged to respect Lebanese sovereignty, with discussions advancing on detainees, refugee returns and border control.

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Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun greets Syria's Foreign Minister Asad al-Shaibani before a meeting at the presidential palace in Baabda, east of Beirut
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Overview

  • Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani met Lebanon’s president, prime minister and foreign minister in Beirut, calling for a reset in relations and non-interference.
  • Lebanese officials said about 2,250 Syrians are in local prisons, with roughly 700 meeting extradition conditions that require a new bilateral accord.
  • Lebanon requested Syrian information on past political assassinations, including Rafic Hariri’s killing, and its justice minister reported cooperation from Damascus.
  • Both sides discussed internationally supported plans for the gradual, dignified and stable return of Syrian refugees hosted in Lebanon.
  • Syria said it suspended the Lebanese-Syrian Higher Council and will route contacts through diplomatic channels as talks also focused on securing the 330-kilometre border.