Caretaker Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil stressed Wednesday that some parties want for the refugee crisis to last, while others want it to end, emphasizing that he does not call for an immediate and forced return, but a progressive and safe return process.
He added that he contacted his Syrian counterpart concerning the ownership rights of the Syrians, explaining that the minister confirmed that the people’s rights are preserved by the Constitution.
During his meeting with a number of committees representing refugees wanting to return to Syria and Arsal’s Mayor Bassel al-Hujeiri at the Municipal Building, Bassil stated that “we want the United Nations’ help with the return and providing aid in Syria,” pointing out that he came to Arsal due to the conflict taking place between Lebanon and the International Community.
For his part, al-Hujeiri stressed that the decision to return if the refugees’ alone, noting that the municipality is taking a neutral position and respects the decision they see fit.