Lebanon has permanently closed a special border crossing with Syria in use during the decades-long Syrian military presence in the country, a senior security official said yesterday. âThe âmilitary laneâ was permanently closed last night (Saturday), and we shall issue an official statement on that matter,â the official told AFP. âActually since October, the lane had been cancelled except for military logistics, military officials on an official mission and the head of the Lebanese-Syrian Higher Council,â he said. âEven ministers and MPs were not using it any more,â said the official, adding that ânow all those who want to go to Syria will have to go through the official borders manned by general security.âThe move comes amid tensions between the two neighbors following the murder in Lebanon on Monday of prominent anti-Syrian journalist Gibran Tueni. Anger has been rising in Lebanon over a series of assassinations, widely blamed on Syria and denied by Damascus, since the Feb. 14 murder of former Lebanese Premier Rafiq Hariri. The special crossing, parallel to the main Masnaa border point in eastern Lebanon, was mainly used by Syrians and their Lebanese allies as well as prominent businessmen from the two countries. During its 29-year military presence in Lebanon that ended last April, Syria distributed to its Lebanese allies âspecial permitsâ for the crossing. The system was often criticized for encouraging corruption and illegal activities. The annual VIP permits were issued to Syrian and Lebanese politicians, security officials and businessmen, free of charge for some and costing up to about $2,000 for others. The permits allowed holders to cross without customs or other formalities for both the vehicle and its passengers. All nationals of Syria and Lebanon are allowed visa-free visits to each otherâs countries.