Lebanon to form delegation to visit Syria over missing citizens

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen + Agencies
20 Dec 2024 20:32

The Lebanese Government Emergency Committee for the Missing and Disappeared says the visit aims to assess the situation and conduct necessary communications and discussions.

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People cross into Syria through the al-Masnaa border crossing point in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 (AP)

The Lebanese Government Emergency Committee for the Missing and Disappeared announced during its first meeting that an agreement was reached to form an official delegation to visit Syria in the coming days.

The committee said the delegation will include representatives from the Prime Minister's Office and the ministries of Justice, Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, National Defense, and Interior and Municipalities, in addition to the National Commission for the Missing and Forcibly Disappeared.

The visit aims to assess the situation and conduct necessary communications and discussions, it indicated.

In a statement, the National Commission for the Missing and Forcibly Disappeared confirmed that "the attendees agreed to transfer all data related to the issue of missing and forcibly disappeared persons held by all entities represented in the committee to the commission, in accordance with its legal authority and mandate."

Last week, the commission said it established an internal crisis unit to handle calls from families, collect information, and verify circulating data. It also announced plans to set up field teams tasked with conducting interviews to investigate the fate of the missing individuals.

The commission called for coordinated and unified efforts, urging political parties to refrain from politicizing or affiliating the issue with specific groups, as such actions hinder progress in uncovering the truth.

It pointed out that responsibility also lies with relevant Lebanese authorities, as the issue involves another country, requiring direct international communication channels.

The commission also expressed hope that media outlets would play a significant role in supporting the cause, emphasized the importance of respecting individuals' rights and dignity, and urged caution when disseminating information.