logo
Border and prisoner repatriation: Beirut and Damascus resume discussions

Border and prisoner repatriation: Beirut and Damascus resume discussions

The issues of border security and Syrian detainees in Lebanon have resurfaced in recent days, prompting a meeting in Riyadh between the heads of military intelligence for the Lebanese and Syrian armies, Gen. Tony Kahwagi and Hussein Salameh. Once again, Saudi Arabia is playing a mediating role in the relationship between the two countries by sponsoring such meetings, months after a similar one took place on March 27 in Jeddah between Lebanese Defense Minister Michel Menassa and his Syrian counterpart, Mourhaf Abou Qasra.The talks come amid rising tensions along the Lebanese-Syrian border. In addition to rampant smuggling, the area has seen several clashes in February and March between clans reportedly aligned with Hezbollah and Syria's newly formed security forces, resulting in casualties on both sides. Lebanon shares a 330-kilometer...
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

King of Bahrain Declares Plan for Diplomatic Mission in Beirut
King of Bahrain Declares Plan for Diplomatic Mission in Beirut

MTV Lebanon

time32 minutes ago

  • MTV Lebanon

King of Bahrain Declares Plan for Diplomatic Mission in Beirut

Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa announced his country's decision to establish a permanent Bahraini diplomatic mission in Beirut, during his meeting with President of the Republic Joseph Aoun. 'With great pride, we announce our decision to establish a permanent Bahraini diplomatic mission in Beirut,' Bahraini King told President Aoun, adding that he looks forward to the talks with the Lebanese side marking a new milestone in productive bilateral cooperation across various areas of common interest. President Aoun, in turn, thanked King Hamad for the decision, and said: "We aspire to resume full trade relations with Bahrain and strengthen cooperation across various fields for the benefit of both peoples and the interests of both countries.' President Aoun also expressed appreciation for the warm reception during his visit and for Bahrain's steadfast support for Lebanon.

Geagea meets Jumblat in Clemenceau
Geagea meets Jumblat in Clemenceau

Nahar Net

time34 minutes ago

  • Nahar Net

Geagea meets Jumblat in Clemenceau

by Naharnet Newsdesk 5 hours Lebanese Forces chief Samir Geagea, who rarely leaves his Maarab headquarters, on Wednesday held a meeting in Clemenceau with Druze leader Walid Jumblat. The National News Agency said the meeting tackled the latest political developments in Lebanon and the region and was attended by MP Melhem Riachi of the LF and MP Wael Abu Faour of Jumblat's Democratic Gathering. 'It was a fruitful and beneficial session in all respects,' Geagea said after the meeting. 'May God bring welfare, especially in this stage that the country has reached,' Geagea added. The visit comes after the sectarian massacres in the Druze-majority Syrian province of Sweida and in the wake of U.S. envoy Tom Barrack's visit to Lebanon.

EU announces new €12.5M project to support Lebanese Army
EU announces new €12.5M project to support Lebanese Army

Nahar Net

time4 hours ago

  • Nahar Net

EU announces new €12.5M project to support Lebanese Army

by Naharnet Newsdesk 23 July 2025, 18:16 The European Union on Wednesday announced a new €12.5 million project to support the Lebanese Army in "leading recovery efforts, enhancing security and helping communities in Southern Lebanon rebuild." The project will be implemented by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). The official launch ceremony, held at the Lebanese Army Headquarters in Yarzeh, was attended by Army Commander General Rodolph Haykal, EU Ambassador to Lebanon Sandra De Waele, UNDP Resident Representative in Lebanon Blerta Aliko, and representatives from the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon. "This EU-funded project responds to the ongoing impact of the 13-month war, which continues to claim lives and damage infrastructure and public services across the country," an EU Delegation statement said. "It will help the Lebanese Armed Forces support communities in Southern Lebanon to recover and rebuild. This includes clearing rubble and unexploded ordnance, repairing critical infrastructure—such as water networks and public health centers—and strengthening cooperation with local communities," it added. In his remarks, Army Commander Haykal stated that "this project represents a critical milestone for the military institution, which bears immense responsibilities at the national level." "The army continues to exert tremendous efforts to uphold the authority of the state across all Lebanese territory, implement international resolutions —particularly Resolution 1701 —and safeguard the country's security and monitor its borders," he added. " "The project strengthens the army's capacity and sustainability, contributing directly to Lebanon's security and stability and to the safety of its people,' Haykal said. EU Ambassador Sandra De Waele said: 'This project -- along with our longstanding partnership with Lebanese security institutions -- reflects the European Union's unwavering commitment to Lebanon and to promoting peace and stability across the country. Together with EU Member States, we are providing over $600 million in support to conflict-affected areas in Lebanon, underscoring this commitment. These efforts complement our diplomatic work to push for the full implementation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 and for all parties to abide by the November 2024 ceasefire agreement.' 'We at UNDP will continue to support LAF and local communities—because stability is the foundation upon which lasting peace, recovery, and inclusive development must be built,' said Blerta Aliko, UNDP Resident Representative in Lebanon. This project is part of the Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding signed in May 2025 by the Ministry of National Defense, UNDP, and UNSCOL, to coordinate international assistance for the Lebanese Armed Forces.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store