Lebanon's Bassil calls for return of 'army of Syrian refugees'
2 Min Read
The leader of the Free Patriotic Movement described the presence of Syrian refugees in Lebanon as "human occupation," calling for their return to their home country.
-
Gebran Bassil, a Lebanese lawmaker and head of the Free Patriotic Movement, speaks during an interview with the Associated Press, in Beirut, Lebanon, on October 17, 2022. (AP)
The head of the Lebanese Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) and Member of Parliament, Gebran Bassil, described the presence of Syrian refugees in Lebanon as a form of "human occupation," saying that it threatens the country's national sovereignty and identity.
In an interview with a Lebanese news platform, Spot Shot, Bassil said that the presence of Syrian refugees in Lebanon can no longer be justified, calling for the withdrawal of what he said is an "army of Syrian refugees."
He asserted that the Lebanese government is taking a "dangerous" approach, claiming that it is legitimizing the unlawful presence of millions of Syrians in Lebanon.
Bassil claimed that the continued presence of refugees in Lebanon constitutes a violation of both local and international laws, arguing that the original reasons for their displacement no longer apply. He called for a reassessment of Lebanon’s refugee policies, particularly in light of recent political developments in Syria.
He stated that the Free Patriotic Movement has acted independently since 2011 to curb what he described as a worsening refugee crisis. Bassil also criticized other political factions for aligning with foreign agendas, saying that the refugee issue has been used as a tool to apply pressure on Syria in recent years.
Bassil further asserted that with the fall of the Syrian regime, the rationale for the refugees' continued stay had also dissipated. He called for a wide national effort to facilitate their return while underscoring the importance of maintaining normal relations with both Syria and the Syrian people.
The Lebanese Member of Parliament is set to address supporters on Saturday in a speech marking the anniversary of the Syrian Arab Army’s withdrawal from Lebanon. Bassil said that he rejects incitement against Syrians, adding that he has no issue with those residing in Lebanon legally.
Read more: Over 175,000 Syrian refugees return from Turkiye since December
