Just like they were divided over Syria in 2005, the Lebanese authorities reached a state of division during today’s cabinet session over the suggestion to hold dialogue with Damascus over the return of the refugees.
March 8 camp supports holding the discussion with Syria, while March 14 forces reject such proposition.
Minister Ali Qanso said that Homs, Aleppo, Qamishli, Deir al-Zour and the rural regions are all under the control of the Syrian army, adding that three quarters of the refugees could return with three weeks if dialogue was held with Syria. He stressed that without the dialogue, the return will not happen.
The last statement was considered by Minister Michel Faraon as a threat.
Prime Minister Saah Hariri was the one to bring up the subject by deeming it a controversial issue, reminding the ministers of the agreement “to put aside all controversial political issues.”
Information Minister Melhem Riachi said that they support the refugees’ return as soon as possible, noting however that this matter must be handled by the United Nations and related organizations through safe plans.
For more details, watch the full report in the video above