Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati will meet Syria’s de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa on Saturday, marking the first visit by a Lebanese premier to Syria in 15 years. This meeting follows President Joseph Aoun’s call for a serious dialogue and comes amid a backdrop of historically fraught relations. Mikati’s visit signifies a potential thaw in ties, amidst a complex history of Syrian influence in Lebanon.
Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati is scheduled to meet with Syria’s de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus this Saturday. This significant meeting marks the first time a head of Lebanese government has visited the Syrian capital since the regime of former President Bashar al-Assad fell. It also represents the first visit by a Lebanese premier to Syria in 15 years. President Joseph Aoun emphasized the importance of this meeting, highlighting it as a historic opportunity for a substantial dialogue between both nations.
During the meeting, Sharaa, leader of the Islamist-led forces that deposed Assad, assured Lebanese politician Walid Jumblatt that Syria would refrain from interfering in Lebanon’s internal matters. Mikati recently received a personal invitation from Sharaa to visit Syria, indicating a shift in diplomatic relations. Caretaker Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib, expected to accompany Mikati, expressed Lebanon’s eagerness for improved relations with Syria following a call with his Syrian counterpart.
The history of Lebanon-Syria relations has frequently been tumultuous since both nations gained independence in the 1940s. Hezbollah played a crucial role in supporting Assad during the Syrian civil war. Previously, the Assad regime’s military intervention was significant during Lebanon’s civil war from 1975 to 1990, leading to a prolonged Syrian occupation until 2005. The assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri in 2005 instigated widespread protests that forced Syria to withdraw its troops from Lebanon, under international scrutiny and pressure.
Despite the complex past, Mikati’s visit to Damascus signifies a potential thaw in relations, as both nations seek to navigate their intertwined histories with renewed diplomacy. The last visit by a Lebanese prime minister to Syria occurred in 2010, showcasing the long-standing freeze in official interactions.
The context of Lebanese-Syrian relations is characterized by a history of Syrian influence in Lebanon, particularly during the lengthy Assad rule. Syria maintained military presence in Lebanon for 29 years, leading to political tensions and public dissent. This complex history laid the groundwork for the dynamics of contemporary political interactions, particularly in light of recent events such as the Syrian civil war and the significant role Hezbollah has played in both supporting Assad and influencing Lebanese politics. The assassination of Rafik al-Hariri prompted a shift in dynamics, resulting in international investigations and varying allegations against Syria, further complicating relations. This background highlights the importance of Mikati’s visit as a potential step toward rekindling diplomatic ties and addressing past grievances.
In conclusion, the visit of Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati to Damascus represents a pivotal moment in the turbulent history of Lebanese-Syrian relations. By facilitating dialogue and seeking to improve bilateral ties, this meeting may pave the way for a new chapter in diplomatic engagement between the two nations. The evolving political circumstances underscore the necessity of cooperation and mutual understanding, despite the legacy of past conflicts and geopolitical complexities.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
