Authorities Mulling to Resort to Costly Transport of Goods by Sea after Border Crisis

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The Lebanese authorities are mulling ways to transport goods by sea after overland exports to Gulf states stopped last week following a rebel seizure of the Syrian side of the border with Jordan.

At least 30 drivers were stranded on the Syrian-Jordanian border's free zone area last Wednesday after they entered the crossing, as a group of rebels, backed by al-Nusra Front, seized control of it following clashes with government forces.

The move prompted Amman to close the Nasib crossing, which is the only functioning crossing between Jordan and Syria and is considered a crucial gateway for Syria's government and for Syrian, Lebanese and Jordanian traders and merchants.

Many of the drivers returned to Lebanon but others remain stranded there.

During a session held under Prime Minister Tammam Salam on Wednesday, the cabinet tasked Agriculture Minister Akram Shehayyeb with preparing a report on ways to solve the crisis.

Shehayyeb told al-Mustaqbal daily published Thursday that the government approved in principle to cover the difference in the cost that would result from transportation by sea.

The newspaper also quoted Industry Minister Hussein al-Hajj Hassan as saying that such a move would cost the government 1-2 million dollars monthly.

The issue will be discussed again during a cabinet session next week after a thorough study to take the appropriate decision, he said.

Al-Joumhouria daily also quoted a cabinet minister as saying that a vessel named Roro which is a truck carrier could be used to transport the goods via two lines – from Beirut Port to Jordan's Aqaba Port or from Beirut to Alexandria, Suez Canal and the Saudi Yanbu Commercial Port.

Comments 2
Thumb marcus 09 April 2015, 09:30

and where will our agricultural products be transported.... you guessed it... to a gulf port. The same country (or countries) that nasrallah is attacking and calling names!

Thumb ex-fpm 09 April 2015, 10:06

excellent comment