Lebanon and Syria have declared a ceasefire following severe clashes that resulted in 10 deaths. The defense ministers agreed to enhance communication between their army intelligence to mitigate further border escalations. Concurrently, the Lebanese Foreign Affairs Minister met with his Syrian counterpart in Brussels to discuss ongoing tensions and emphasize continued dialogue.
On a recent statement issued by the Lebanese and Syrian defense ministries, it was announced that Lebanon’s Defense Minister Michel Menassa and his Syrian counterpart Murhaf Abu Qasra reached a consensus on a ceasefire. This decision comes after deadly encounters along the border resulted in 10 fatalities and 52 injuries on the Lebanese side over a span of two days.
Both ministers have further committed to maintaining ongoing communications through their army intelligence directorates, aiming to avert further escalation and deterioration in the area. The mountainous boundary has remained volatile, particularly in recent months, following the downfall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who was supported by Iran and Hezbollah, leading to the establishment of new rebel-led institutions.
In a related diplomatic effort, Lebanon’s Foreign Affairs Minister Youssef Raji conferred with Syrian Foreign Affairs Minister Asaad al-Shibani in Brussels. Their discussions revolved around the ongoing cross-border tensions, resulting in an agreement to sustain open lines of communication between the two nations.
In conclusion, the agreement for a ceasefire between Lebanon and Syria marks a critical step towards stabilizing a region that has seen intensified conflict following recent upheavals in Syria. Continued dialogue through army intelligence will be essential in managing future border tensions, while diplomatic meetings between foreign ministers emphasize collaborative efforts to address cross-border challenges. Effective communication will be pivotal in preventing further violence and fostering peace in the area.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
