Syria, Lebanon discuss ways to end suffering of Syrian prisoners in Roumieh Prison

By Ahmed Asmar

ANKARA (AA) – Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani said Sunday night that he discussed with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam ways to end the suffering of Syrian prisoners in Lebanon's Roumieh Prison.

In a post on his X account, Shaibani said he met with the Lebanese premier to discuss ways of solving the issue of Syrians held in Roumieh Prison. He, however, did not specify where the meeting was held.

He noted that they had reached an agreement on "practical steps" in this regard.

"We in the Syrian government reaffirm our full commitment to resolving this matter as soon as possible," the top diplomat stressed.

"Some repercussions of the war may persist for some time, but what we can ensure is that Syrians - men and women - will always remain at the top of our priorities," he said.

Roumieh Prison, located east of the capital Beirut, is Lebanon's largest prison, housing around 4,000 inmates, three times more than its intended capacity, according to local media reports.

The facility holds a significant number of Syrians who have been detained for years without trial, sparking widespread criticism.

Bashar Assad, Syria’s leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia on Dec. 8, ending the Baath Party regime, which had been in power since 1963.

Ahmad Al-Sharaa, who led anti-regime forces to oust Assad, was declared president for a transitional period in late January.