Lebanese PM says Syrian refugees should return home after Assad's fall
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Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemns Israeli violations in Lebanon that resulted in casualties, widespread displacement, and significant infrastructure damage.
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Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati attends the Atreju political meeting organized by the young militants of the Italian right-wing party Brothers of Italy (Fratelli d'Italia) on December 14, 2024, in Rome (AFP)
Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati called on Saturday for the return of Syrian refugees to their homeland following the political shift in Syria after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad.
At a political festival in Rome, Mikati emphasized that "the consequences of the Syrian war made Lebanon home to the largest number of refugees per capita, with one-third of our population comprising of Syrian refugees."
"The strain on our resources has been substantial, worsening existing economic trouble and creating fierce competition for jobs and services," he said.
The Lebanese premier pointed out that "today, and after the political transformation in Syria, the best resolution to this issue is for Syrians to go back to their homeland."
Lebanese authorities report that the country, with a population of 5.8 million, is currently home to approximately two million Syrian refugees, including over 800,000 registered with the United Nations—marking the highest number of refugees per capita globally.
Many Syrians fled their homeland following the outbreak of war on the country in 2011.
Speaking at the political festival organized by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's Brothers of Italy party, Mikati called on the international community, particularly Europe, to support the return of Syrian refugees.
According to Mikati, this should be achieved "by engaging in early recovery efforts in secure areas with Syria."
Lebanon needs at least $5 billion for reconstruction: Mikati
In the same context, Mikati noted Lebanon's need for at least $5 billion for reconstruction, based on World Bank estimates.
The Lebanese Prime Minister called for the full implementation of the US- and French-brokered ceasefire agreement with "Israel" to protect Lebanon's sovereignty and facilitate the return of displaced persons.
Mikati condemned Israeli violations in Lebanon that resulted in casualties, widespread displacement, and significant infrastructure damage, stressing the importance of adhering to the ceasefire agreement and United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 for long-term stability.
"This agreement could ease tensions along the southern front," he indicated.
The Lebanese premier also reiterated his country's commitment to strengthening its military in line with Resolution 1701, emphasizing the need for international support to rebuild Lebanon’s infrastructure and alleviate the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
