EU decision on Syrian migrants threat to Lebanon, says FM
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Lebanese caretaker Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib says the decision taken by the European Union on Syrian refugees is a threat to Lebanon.
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A general view of an informal Syrian refugee camp, in the Bekaa valley town of Saadnayel, east Lebanon, April 23, 2019 (AP Photo/Hussein Malla, File)
Lebanese caretaker Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib sent a letter to the Vice-President of the European Commission and the EU's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, denouncing the EU's decision that came out last week regarding the status of Syrian refugees in Lebanon.
The Lebanese top diplomat underlined the need to kickstart talks between Lebanon and the European Union on numerous issues, especially on Syrian immigration after the EU said it sought to keep the Syrian refugees in Lebanon.
Bou Habib said the situation was starting to "not only threaten the Lebanese social structure but also economic stability and Lebanon's existence as an entity."
The Lebanese minister stressed that Lebanon adheres to its rights and responsibilities to facilitate the safe return of the displaced Syrians to their homes, especially to the safe areas, in line with international law and the Lebanese constitution that says Lebanon is not a country to seek refuge in.
The EU passed a 16-point resolution on Lebanon. The 13th paragraph, which refers to the presence of Syrian refugees in the country, drew a lot of controversy
Though Article 13 did not call for Syrian refugees to remain in Lebanon, it states that "the conditions required for a voluntary and dignified return of refugees are not present."
"It is necessary for the international community to work on dealing with the reasons behind Syrian migration," Bou Habib added. He also called on it to "accelerate early recovery, including securing basic infrastructure and social services in Syria, in order to facilitate the return of the displaced."
"Lebanon is ready to launch talks with the European Union aimed at drawing up a roadmap for the safe and dignified return of the displaced Syrians to their country," he added.
Bou Habib also underlined the need "to proceed with the idea of ​​forming a comprehensive administrative advisory mission affiliated with the European Union to discuss the urgent needs of the Lebanese public sector and the provision of basic services."
He also said he hoped that Lebanese-EU talks take place, particularly on the sensitive issue of migrants.
Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad received earlier in the month Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Al-Safadi and discussed bilateral ties between Syria and Jordan, as well as the file of the return of Syrian refugees to their country, state-run Syrian news agency SANA reported.
Al-Assad underlined that the safe return of Syrian refugees to their villages and towns is of importance to the Syrian State, stressing the need to secure "the basic structure" for this process.
The Syrian leader indicated that all efforts done by Syria, whether legislative, legal, or reconciliation-related, contribute to creating the ideal atmosphere for the safe return of the refugees.
He emphasized that the refugee situation is completely humanitarian and moral in nature and that it should not be politicized in any manner.
On his part, Al-Safadi outlined Jordan's most recent efforts toward the Syrian refugees' file, as well as new recommendations developed in collaboration with the Arab Contact Group and the United Nations.
