Geagea for Serious Lebanese-Syrian Ties
Lebanese Forces chief Samir Geagea said he favors the establishment of "serious" diplomatic ties between Lebanon and Syria "as two independent states."
Geagea, in remarks published by the daily An Nahar on Monday, also expressed hope that Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem "will bring with him Lebanese detainees in Syrian jails."
He said putting an end to the painful 30-year-old history between the two neighboring countries would only be achieved if Syria "apologizes" to the Lebanese and "recognizes its mistake."
Geagea also noted the urgent need to redraw the border between Lebanon and Syria, especially around the disputed territory of the Shebaa Farms, as it is a necessary step to return Lebanese control over its land.
“All this depends on a jointly-drafted document by the Lebanese and Syrian governments proving that the Shebaa Farms are Lebanese,” Geagea told the paper.
He also said that linking the return of the Syrian Golan Heights and the Shebaa Farms is a mistake that will contradict the Lebanese people’s wishes.