Lebanese Defense Minister: Syria ‘Not Yet Ready’ to Begin Border Demarcation with Lebanon

Lebanese Defense Minister Michel Mansi said on Tuesday that Syria is not yet ready to begin the final border demarcation process between the two countries, noting that the issue “requires more diplomatic effort and time.”

In an interview with Tele Liban, Mansi stated that “there is a positive atmosphere toward reaching a judicial agreement as a first step paving the way for demarcation,” explaining that the upcoming judicial accord—expected to be signed soon—will form “an important foundation for bilateral relations between Beirut and Damascus.”

The minister highlighted ongoing efforts to raise the level of communication between the two sides, expressing hope that direct meetings between ministers from both countries will take place “in the near future to help expedite solutions to pending issues.”

Mansi added that there is an understanding with Damascus to avoid any field-related tensions through a joint operations room connected to the bilateral military coordination office.

Earlier, Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raji said that the border demarcation process with Syria is complex and will take considerable time, revealing that France has provided Lebanon with historical documents and maps dating back to the French Mandate period to support the technical and political efforts involved in the process.