Ban on foreign trucks entering Syria: Unionists call for urgent Beirut-Damascus talks

A day after Syrian customs banned non-Syrian trucks from entering the country by land, the head of the Road Transporters’ Union, Bassam Tleiss, called for urgent talks between Beirut and Damascus, denouncing the direct and negative impact of the decision on the sector.

Syria’s General Authority for Border Crossings and Customs issued a decision Friday regulating the movement of goods and transport through land borders and seaports. Under the measure, “non-Syrian trucks will not be permitted to enter Syrian territory via land crossings.”

“The transfer of goods between Syrian and non-Syrian trucks must take place within the customs area of each crossing, in accordance with established procedures, except for transit trucks. Customs authorities will be responsible for their escort between crossings in line with applicable regulations,” the text adds.

Serious follow-up

Reacting to the move, Tleiss said “this decision has a direct and negative impact on the land transport sector. It affects a wide range of drivers, industrialists, traders and workers in this sector, especially those involved in transporting foodstuffs and perishable goods, which cannot tolerate delays.”

The union leader added that the problem was even more acute given that “Syrian trucks continue to enter Lebanese territory and circulate normally without any hindrance.”

After contacting Public Works Minister Fayez Rassamny and the director general of land and maritime transport, Tleiss said he had been informed that the matter was under serious follow-up with the Syrian authorities “with the aim of resolving the existing issue and reaching appropriate solutions that guarantee the interests of both countries and prevent any negative repercussions on trade and transport.”

He also called for an urgent meeting bringing together the relevant authorities in Lebanon and Syria, along with the unions concerned, to establish a “clear and comprehensive mechanism to regulate land transport movement between the two countries.”

“This includes trucks, transit transport, tourism transport and all related activities, in order to ensure smooth operations and protect the rights of workers in this vital sector,” he added.

For his part, Ibrahim Tarchichi called on the Syrian authorities to exempt Lebanese trucks from the decision because of its “direct repercussions on the agricultural and transport sectors in Lebanon.” He also urged an urgent meeting of the Lebanese-Syrian committee in charge of transport issues to address the matter and find practical solutions that would ensure smooth road traffic and facilitate the marketing of agricultural products.