Syrian ban on foreign trucks prompts call for Lebanese-Syrian talks

BEIRUT — A day after Syrian customs barred non-Syrian trucks from entering the country through land crossings, the head of the Lebanese Land Transport Union, Bassam Tlais, said the move would have a direct and negative impact on the sector and called for urgent talks between the two countries.

On Friday, Syria’s General Authority of Border Crossings and Customs issued a decision regulating cargo and transport traffic through land borders and seaports.

As part of the measure, “non-Syrian trucks shall not be allowed to enter Syrian territory through land crossings,” the decision said.

“The transfer of goods between Syrian and non-Syrian trucks shall take place within the customs yard at each crossing, ‘al-Taboun,’ according to established procedures, with the exception of transit trucks passing through. The customs authorities shall be responsible for escorting them between the crossings in accordance with the applicable procedures,” it added.

Reacting to the decision, Tlais’ media office said Saturday: “While the federations affirm their constant commitment to the best fraternal relations and existing frameworks of cooperation between Lebanon and Syria, they note that this decision has a direct and negative impact on the land transport sector.”

“It affects a wide segment of drivers, industrialists, merchants and workers in this sector, particularly those involved in transporting foodstuffs and perishable goods, which cannot tolerate delays. This issue becomes even more problematic given that Syrian trucks continue to enter Lebanese territory and operate normally without any obstacles,” the statement continued.

Tlais said that after contacts with Public Works and Transport Minister Fayez Rasamny and the director general of land and maritime transport, he had been informed that the matter was under serious follow-up with the Syrian authorities “with the aim of addressing the existing problem and reaching appropriate solutions that ensure the interests of both countries and prevent any negative repercussions on trade and transport movement.”

He also called for an urgent meeting involving the relevant authorities in Lebanon and Syria, as well as the unions concerned, to establish a “clear and comprehensive mechanism to organize land transport movement between the two countries.”

“This includes trucks, transit transport, tourism transport and all related activities, ensuring smooth operations and safeguarding the rights of workers in this vital sector,” he said.