DUBAI: Abu Dhabi crown prince Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan affirmed the UAE's support for the Lebanese people during a meeting with Lebanon’s Prime Minister-designate Saad Al-Hariri.
The Abu Dhabi crown prince said that the UAE supported the ambitions of the Lebanese people for “unity, stability and development,” state news agency WAM reported.
During the meeting – held at Qasr Al-Shati' Palace on Friday - the latest developments in Lebanon, and efforts related to forming a new government were discussed.
Sheikh Mohamed said that he wished for Lebanon to form a government that prioritised national reconciliation and seeks to survive differences, and overcome current challenges.
The two sides addressed bilateral relations in addition to a number of regional and international issues of interest, including the global battle against COVID-19.
Hariri welcomed the UAE's position toward Lebanon across all fronts, including its support in combating the coronavirus pandemic.
Hariri also congratulated Sheikh Mohamed on the successful Mars Mission.
Saad Hariri meets Abu Dhabi crown prince to discuss developments in Lebanon
https://arab.news/b6bn9
Saad Hariri meets Abu Dhabi crown prince to discuss developments in Lebanon
Syrian authorities bust smuggling ring, tighten border controls
- Smugglers' boat collides with rocks as it attempted to flee pursuing as Coast Guard vessels
- The boat was about to illegally transport passengers from the Syrian coast of Tartus coast to Cyprus
DAMASCUS: Syrian Coast Guard forces have arrested members of a human smuggling network operating in the western town of Tartus, the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported Saturday.
Authorities pounced on the smugglers as they were about to transport passengers from the Tartus coast to Cyprus by illegal means, the state media said, citing a statement from the General Authority of Ports and Customs.
"The operation resulted in the arrest of all those involved, including the organizers of the trip," said the report, adding that the smugglers' boat attempted to escape as Coast Guard vessels surrounded it, but collided with rocks.
No details were made available on how many suspects were arrested and how many passengers were rescued. Criminal charges are being prepared against the arrested suspects, SANA said.
New restrictions on commercial transit
In a separate move to regulate trade and border security, the ports and customs authority has issued a new policy restricting truck access at land crossings and seaports.
Commercial trucks will now only be permitted entry for loading or unloading upon presentation of an original receipt from the Ministry of Transport’s freight office.
The transfer of cargo between Syrian and non-Syrian vehicles must now take place strictly within designated customs yards at border crossings.
Trucks passing through Syria in transit remain permitted, provided they are under a mandatory customs escort between entry and exit points.
