BEIRUT, Lebanon - Lebanon's caretaker government said on Monday it was waiving port fees to allow exporters to move goods that have been stuck at the Syrian border in a widening border dispute between the two countries.

Hundreds of trucks carrying everything from cherries to cement have been halted for more than two weeks at border crossings with Syria, Lebanon's only open land crossing, bringing big losses for Lebanon's fragile economy.

Syrian custom officials say the delays are due to stepped up border controls on security grounds, but relations between Beirut and Damascus have become increasingly strained since the February assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri.

Tension increased over the weekend after the Syrian coastguard arrested nine Lebanese fishermen in what Damascus said were Syrian territorial waters. Their four boats were seized.

Outgoing Prime Minister Najib Mikati said the port fees waiver, approved by a government emergency committee, would be in place until a new government took office.

Efforts to form Lebanon's first government since Syrian troops withdrew in April have been marred by wrangling between pro-Syrian and anti-Syrian politicians.

Damascus foes in Lebanon have accused Syria of using economic pressure for political purposes.

While business figures say it is early to determine the total cost to Lebanon -- some farmers say their sector is loosing $300,000 a day.

Lebanon's exports amounted to $1.7 billion last year, when gross domestic product was estimated at $18 billion.

Lebanon's public debt stands at $36 billion, which threatens a financial crisis. (Reuters)