Date:15/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/15/stories/2008081552181900.htm

International

Syria, Lebanon discuss border delimitation

Atul Aneja

DUBAI: Syria and Lebanon are set to adopt concrete measures to normalise relations which were severely strained following the assassination of the former Lebanese Prime Minister, Rafik Hariri.

Both countries on Thursday agreed to complete the unfinished demarcation of their borders. The decision was taken during the maiden visit to Damascus by Lebanese President Michel Sleiman. The border has been poorly delimited in certain places, especially the Shebaa Farms. Israel had seized the Shebaa farms — a 25 sq. km. stretch rich in water resources — from Syria during the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. Lebanon now claims the land with Syria’s backing, despite Israel saying the territory is Syrian. The borders are also unclear in parts of the Bekka valley and northern Lebanon.

The two countries on Wednesday agreed to establish embassies in each other’s capital — a symbol amplifying Syria’s willingness to accept Lebanese sovereignty. Lebanon and Syria have not had diplomatic ties since independence from French colonial power about 60 years ago.

Syrian President Bashar Al Assad and his Lebanese counterpart had agreed to establish diplomatic ties during talks held last month in Paris. Besides, Syria has agreed to review some of the past treaties binding Beirut and Damascus. Critics have been of the view that some of these treaties are in Syria’s favour.

The two neighbours have decided to address the case of hundreds of people who went missing during the 1975-1990 Lebanese civil war.