Lebanon and Syria Sign Agreement to Transfer Nearly 300 Convicts

Beirut. Lebanon on Friday signed an agreement with Syria to transfer nearly 300 convicts to Damascus. More than 2,200 Syrians are being held in overcrowded Lebanese jails on various charges.

Many of them are still awaiting trial, while hundreds have been brought before military courts on charges related to 'terrorism' or attacks against the Lebanese army.

Others are being held on allegations of alleged membership in jihadist or armed groups opposing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who were supported by Lebanon's Hezbollah group during the Syrian civil war.

Lebanon's Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri and Syrian Justice Minister Mazher al-Wais signed the agreement at a press conference held in Beirut.

Minister Wais stated that this is a 'significant step on the path of justice to address the status of convicts who have spent a long time in prison and one of the most legally complex cases.'

He said, 'The agreement covers about 300 convicts, while the remaining detainees require a 'long process' before a similar agreement can be made regarding them.'

He added, 'This agreement strengthens the trust and political will that already exists between the two countries.'

Lebanese officials will hand over convicts who have served at least 10 years in prison and meet the requirements to Syria, Minister Wais stated. There, they will complete the remainder of their sentences.

Mitri told AFP, 'Cooperation extends beyond the issue of convicts, and officials are working to 'resolve all common issues to set bilateral relations right'.'

The first step following the signing of the agreement will be the cabinet's decision to dissolve the 'Lebanese-Syrian Higher Council,' a body from the Assad era.

'Officials will also review 'unfair agreements made during the period of Syrian protection in Lebanon, as well as the demarcation of land and sea borders,' Mitri said.

The Syrian army entered Lebanon in 1976 as part of an Arab force expected to end the Lebanese civil war, which began a year earlier.

Instead, Syria became the dominant military and political power in Lebanon, dominating all aspects of Lebanese life.

The Syrian army only withdrew from Lebanon in 2005 under great pressure following the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafic Hariri, who was opposed to Damascus and its ally Hezbollah.