Border demarcation with Syria complex but crucial task – Lebanese FM
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Lebanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Youssef Raji acknowledged on Tuesday the complexity of demarcating the borders between Syria and Lebanon, describing the issue as challenging, while urging the formation of a joint committee to address it.
Minister Raji said that the Syrian transitional government has expressed willingness to work with Lebanon on both demarcating and securing the borders. He noted that both nations are ramping up their capabilities to manage and stabilize the frontier in a permanent and effective manner.
In May, France opened its historical archives—some dating back more than a century—and provided both Lebanon and Syria with maps and documents in a bid to facilitate a final resolution to the fragile border situation. The French initiative emphasized that clearly defined land borders would improve control, enhance security on both sides, and help settle dozens of longstanding disputes.
Describing the demarcation process as “complex,” Raji reiterated his call for a joint Syrian-Lebanese technical committee to study and implement the necessary steps.
Commenting on the recent U.S. decision to lift sanctions on Syria, Raji said the move was a positive step that will also benefit Lebanon.
The foreign minister also disclosed new details about the French documents provided to Lebanon, describing them as “confidential records” that include an official French delineation of the borders between Lebanon and Syria. He said the documents were handed over following a commitment made by French President Emmanuel Macron during Lebanese President Joseph Aoun’s visit to Paris.
Raji added that while he has reviewed the written material, interpreting the accompanying maps and geographic coordinates will require technical expertise. “These are matters for specialists,” he noted.