Beirut: General Coordinator of Lebanon's National Campaign for the Return of Syrian Displaced Persons, Maroun El Khawli, has denounced a sudden decision by Syrian authorities to ban Lebanese trucks from entering Syria, while exempting transit trucks. He described the move as a "unilateral measure that harms bilateral trade relations and violates the principle of reciprocity."
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Khawli considered the decision serious given that Lebanon continues to allow more than 200 Syrian trucks to enter its territory daily without restrictions. "The measure has no real regulatory value but represents direct political pressure on Lebanon, particularly linked to the issue of Syrian detainees in Lebanese prisons," he said.
Khawli noted that the timing of the ban coincides with recent Syrian demands for the release of around 2,750 Syrian detainees, suggesting the decision is an attempt at economic and commercial leverage. He referred to Lebanon's recently signed judicial agreement with Syria that led to the release of approximately 300 detainees, considering that using trade as a tool of pressure sets a dangerous precedent.
Khawli called on Lebanese Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri to take urgent political and diplomatic action to prevent escalation, warning that continued imbalance could prompt public and union-backed calls to block Syrian trucks from entering Lebanon as well. He emphasized that such policies risk damaging economic relations and vital productive and transport sectors in both countries, urging respect for Arab and international agreements governing land transport and trade.
Khawli concluded by stating that any genuine cooperation between Lebanon and Syria must be based on mutual respect, clarity, and balanced partnership, not coercive pressure.