Daijiworld Media Network - Beirut

Beirut, Feb 7: Lebanon and Syria signed an agreement on Friday to transfer around 300 convicts from Lebanese prisons to Damascus, a move seen as a significant step toward strengthening bilateral ties.

Lebanon’s overcrowded jails currently hold over 2,200 Syrians on various charges, ranging from terrorism and attacks on Lebanese forces to alleged membership in armed groups opposed to former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Hundreds are still awaiting trial, while others have been tried in military courts.

Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri and Syrian Justice Minister Mazhar al-Wais jointly announced the deal at a press conference in Beirut. Wais described the agreement as “an important step on the path to justice,” adding that it addresses convicts whose cases are legally complex and who have spent long periods in prison. The deal covers convicts who meet requirements such as serving at least 10 years, with remaining detainees requiring longer procedures for a similar arrangement.

Mitri said the cooperation goes beyond prisoner transfers, including resolving broader bilateral issues. Steps include the planned abolition of the Lebanese-Syrian Higher Council, reviewing unfair agreements from the era of Syrian tutelage, and settling land and maritime border demarcations.

Syria first entered Lebanon in 1976 during the Lebanese civil war and remained a dominant military and political presence until 2005, withdrawing following international pressure after the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafic Hariri, a killing widely linked to Damascus and Hezbollah.