Lebanon–Syria relations

Relations between Lebanon and Syria are complex.

Independence to 1976

yrian involvement in Lebanon

At the request of the then-President of Lebanon, Suleiman Frangieh, Syria sent troops to Lebanon in order to prevent a Muslim victory during the Civil War. In 1982, Syria fought Israeli troops after the latter's invasion of Lebanon.

2005 Lebanon crisis

The assassination of late Prime minister of Lebanon Rafik Hariri led to near-enemity between both Beirut and Damascus. The March 14 Alliance blamed Syria for the murder, Syria denied involvement. A UN commission set up to investigate the killing did not yet blame anyone for the assassination.

Resuming of relations

In a meeting in Paris during the first Summit of the Union for the Mediterranean, the new President of Lebanon, Michel Sleiman and Syria's President, Bashar al-Assad, the two leaders agreed to establish diplomatic relations and to open a new page in the relations between the two countries. In August 13, 2008, the Lebanese president, Michel Sleiman and his Syrian counterpart, Bashar Al-Assad announced the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

ee also

* Syrian occupation of Lebanon