The Suspension of the Lebanese–Syrian Higher Council Lacks Legal Basis…

Yet Minister Rajji Turned It into a Media Moment—Ten Days After Being Informed!

Source: “Masdar Diplomacy

Marlene Khalife

In the ever-intriguing world of diplomacy, even a non-binding administrative decision can morph into a political headline — especially when fueled by the “enthusiasm” of Lebanon’s Foreign Minister, Youssef Rajji, who chose to spotlight it during his joint press conference with his Syrian counterpart, Assad al-Shaibani. The irony? Al-Shaibani never once mentioned the decision — not even in passing.

The Syrian Foreign Ministry had, in fact, notified Beirut through its embassy ten days prior to the visit that it was suspending the work of the Lebanese–Syrian Higher Council. Yet Minister Rajji saw in the internal memo an opportunity for a public political display. During the press conference, he showcased the move as a “reform step on the right path” and as proof that relations between the two neighbors were returning to “their proper framework” — as though Damascus had just gifted Beirut a live diplomatic surprise.

Political sources told Masdar Diplomacy that what was left unsaid behind closed doors may be just as significant as what was declared publicly during Minister al-Shaibani’s visit to Beirut on October 10. While the Syrian minister struck a calm and conciliatory tone, speaking of “a new page” in bilateral cooperation, Lebanon’s Foreign Ministry already had in hand the Syrian communiqué announcing the suspension of the council — a move of more symbolic than legal weight.

Legal experts note that the Higher Council, being an institution born of a bilateral treaty, cannot be legally suspended without parallel legislation from both the Lebanese Parliament and the Syrian People’s Assembly. The Syrian note, therefore, carries no binding legal or constitutional effect — amounting instead to an administrative–political gesture with rhetorical resonance rather than real consequence.

At Baabda Palace, the Lebanese response was notably more measured — and diplomatically astute. President Joseph Aoun reminded his Syrian guest that relations between states are not “suspended” by administrative note, but strengthened through embassies and active diplomatic exchange. He renewed Lebanon’s call for Damascus to appoint a new ambassador to Beirut — a post that has remained vacant for far too long. With that subtle yet pointed message, President Aoun calmly redirected the discussion to its proper constitutional and diplomatic grounds — making his point with poise, and with a knowing diplomatic smile.

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