A Lebanese judicial delegation will visit Damascus next Wednesday to discuss a draft agreement that would allow the transfer of Syrian detainees and convicts back to Syria, an effort aimed at resolving the long-standing prisoner issue without violating Lebanese law or straining ties between the two countries.
The delegation will be led by Government Commissioner to the Military Court, Judge Claude Ghanem, accompanied by Judges Mona Hankir and Jad Maalouf. They are expected to meet Syrian Justice Minister Mazhar Al-Weis and senior judicial officials.
According to judicial sources, Lebanon will present a proposed judicial cooperation agreement designed to provide a legal and practical framework for handling Syrian inmates. The draft reportedly meets many of Syria’s demands while fully preserving Lebanese sovereignty and legal standards. Both sides will review each other’s remarks and reservations, and the agreement also outlines cooperation on uncovering the fate of missing Lebanese in Syria.
Qatar has taken an active role in mediating between Beirut and Damascus, pushing to revive discussions out of concern that delays could negatively impact bilateral relations. In recent hours, Qatar’s ambassador to Beirut, Saud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, met Lebanese Justice Minister Adel Nassar to urge faster communication with Syria.
Sources notify that Qatar fears continued complications could spark political tensions and undermine efforts to maintain stable dialogue between the two countries.
Minister Nassar reportedly briefed the ambassador on the remaining legal obstacles, stressing that even if both sides agree on the draft, implementation must follow Lebanon’s formal legal process, most notably parliamentary approval.
