Mikati: Refugees’ issue cannot be settled at Lebanon’s security expense

PM Najib Mikati said that Lebanon’s sovereignty and security are priorities and cannot be bypassed for the sake of helping Syrian refugees escaping the violence in their country.

Mikati told reporters who accompanied him to Brussels that Belgian and European Union officials understand the position that Lebanon has chosen to take regarding the Syrian events. He said that, as soon as Syria recovers its stability, the issue of Syrian refugees will be settled.

“We can’t continue to deal with the issue at the expense of the security of Lebanon under the slogan of human rights,” he stressed. “The security and sovereignty of Lebanon are priorities that we can’t give up.”

Mikati appeased fears saying the cabinet tasked Finance Minister Mohammed Safadi to pay all the wages of civil servants, no matter the circumstances. Turning to the 2013 parliamentary elections, the premier confirmed that the polls will be held on time.

Mikati told Euronews TV station that officials assured him that Europe’s participation in the UNIFIL is key and ongoing.