Latest news with #ArabandInternationalRelationsCouncil
Roya News
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Roya News
Lebanese army detains 56 Syrians for lacking legal documents
The Lebanese army announced Friday the detention of 56 Syrian nationals for allegedly entering or remaining in the country without legal documentation, as diplomatic tensions simmer between Beirut and Damascus over the unresolved file of Syrian detainees held in Lebanese prisons. In an official statement, the army said that units, supported by military intelligence patrols, raided Syrian refugee camps in the northern district of Koura, specifically in the areas of Anfeh, Bishmizzine, and Amioun, detaining 31 individuals. Separately, 18 Syrians were arrested at the Madfoun military checkpoint in Batroun, while seven others were apprehended in the Dora area of Mount Lebanon's Metn district, bringing the total number of detainees to 56. According to the army, the arrests were made due to the individuals' lack of legal residency papers. Interrogations are underway under the supervision of the judiciary. These developments coincide with growing frustration in Damascus over what Syrian officials describe as Lebanese inaction in resolving the long-standing issue of Syrians detained in Lebanese prisons — many of whom have been held without trial for years. According to Syrian media reports, President Ahmad Al-Shara expressed "deep dissatisfaction" with the lack of progress during a recent meeting with a delegation from Lebanon's Dar al-Fatwa in Damascus. Unnamed sources cited by Syria TV said Al-Shara has instructed Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shibani to visit Beirut soon to discuss the matter. They described the visit as a final diplomatic effort before Syria considers gradual political and diplomatic measures against Lebanon. These reports claim that over 2,000 Syrian detainees remain in Lebanese prisons under what has been described as dire conditions, many of them held without formal charges or trials since the outbreak of the Syrian uprising in 2011. In contrast, Syria's state-run media quoted a source from the Ministry of Information denying any plans for escalatory measures against Lebanon. However, the source reaffirmed the Syrian government's view that resolving the detainee issue is a top priority and must be addressed urgently through official diplomatic channels. The renewed spotlight on Syrian detainees comes months after Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam visited Damascus and held talks with President Al-Shara — the first such visit by a senior Lebanese official in years. According to a statement from the Lebanese Prime Minister's Office, the two leaders discussed several key issues, including the detainee file. Meanwhile, in a related statement Friday, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasized Lebanon's commitment to maintaining positive relations with Syria's new government and President Al-Shara. Speaking to a visiting delegation from the Arab and International Relations Council in Beirut, Aoun reiterated Lebanon's stance of non-interference in the internal affairs of either country. The issue of Syrian refugees and detainees continues to be a point of friction in Lebanese politics, amid economic hardship, rising xenophobia, and complex regional dynamics.
Shafaq News
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Lebanese President: State must control all arms
Shafaq News – Beirut Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reaffirmed, on Friday, the state's exclusive authority over all weapons, calling it a cornerstone of national sovereignty. Addressing the Arab and International Relations Council, Aoun urged all political factions to support state institutions amid mounting internal and external threats, arguing that recent regional shifts create new opportunities to resolve long-standing domestic issues—particularly the presence of armed groups operating outside state authority. Decisions on war and peace, he insisted, must remain solely with the Cabinet. On UN Security Council Resolution 1701, Aoun said the Lebanese Army, in coordination with UNIFIL, continues to monitor the area south of the Litani River, except for the five hills occupied by Israel, which he described as 'lacking military value and serving only to hinder full army deployment.' He also condemned ongoing violations of the November 2024 ceasefire, citing Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon and the Beirut suburbs, as well as Israel's refusal to release Lebanese detainees—calling both actions clear breaches of international law. 📍طريق النميرية — Al Jadeed News (@ALJADEEDNEWS) July 11, 2025 Commenting on regional diplomacy, Aoun noted, 'Peace means no war, and that is Lebanon's goal. But normalization is not on the table.' His remarks came as Israeli military operations intensified along the border. Lebanese media reported a rare ground incursion more than 800 meters into the town of Blida. Separately, drones dropped explosives in Dhahira and Kfarkela, including a stun grenade near civilians. Al-Manar reported drone strikes on an orchard in Dhahira and on a vehicle between Noumayriya and Al-Sharqiya in the Nabatiyeh district. According to Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health, the strike in Noumayriya killed one person and injured five. 🔴 عاجل | مسيّرة معادية اغارت على سيارة في المنطقة الواقعة بين بلدتي الشرقية والنميرية جنوب لبنان — قناة المنار (@TVManar1) July 11, 2025 These developments come amid near-daily violations of the US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, which took effect on November 27, 2024. As of early July 2025, Lebanese authorities—supported by French officials and humanitarian organizations—have documented nearly 4,000 Israeli violations, resulting in at least 232 deaths and over 530 injuries.
