Beirut and Damascus Sign Prisoner Swap Deal: 300 Syrians to Return Home

Lebanon and Syria officially signed an agreement on Friday to transfer Syrian prisoners currently held in Lebanese facilities back to their home country. The signing ceremony took place at the government headquarters in Beirut, attended by high-ranking officials from both nations, including Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Syrian Justice Minister Mazhar Al-Wais.

Addressing the Prisoner and Detainee Files The agreement specifically covers approximately 300 convicted individuals. Syrian Justice Minister Mazhar Al-Wais described the deal as a "crucial step on the path to justice," noting that it addresses the long-standing issue of Syrian nationals who have spent significant periods in Lebanese prisons.

In a joint press conference, Lebanese Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri stated that another agreement specifically concerning Syrian detainees (those awaiting trial or held without final sentencing) would be signed in the near future. Both sides are currently working on a defined timeline to process the remaining files not covered by Friday's initial agreement.

A New Chapter in Bilateral Relations Tarek Mitri framed the event as a turning point for the neighboring countries. "Lebanon and Syria are facing a real opportunity to establish relations that are completely different from the past," Mitri said. He emphasized that the current political climate is ripe for a partnership built on "parity and mutual respect."

The Lebanese Cabinet had previously approved the framework for this agreement in January, which allows for the transfer of sentenced persons from the country where the verdict was issued to their country of origin.

Humanitarian and Legal Impact While the immediate impact involves the physical transfer of 300 individuals, the broader implications suggest a coordinated effort to resolve complex humanitarian files. Minister Al-Wais also alluded to the sensitive file of "missing persons," indicating that recent dialogues have allowed for progress in identifying and managing cases that have remained stagnant for years.

The move is expected to alleviate pressure on Lebanon’s overcrowded prison system while ensuring that Syrian nationals serve their sentences within their own national legal framework.