President Michel Aoun declared Thursday that the return of the Syrian refugees to their country cannot wait for a political solution to the crisis, which can take a long time, noting that Lebanon’s capabilities can no longer allow them to stay indefinitely in the country, given the negative repercussions their presence left on many levels.
Addressing ambassadors from the International Support Group for Lebanon, Aoun pointed out that Lebanon is loyal to its commitments towards the United Nations and the friendly countries, and is keen on preserving close relations mainly with the states that provide Lebanon with the needed assistance.
He stated that the political commitments change with developments taking place on the ground, “which make us unable to wait for the political solution to start the return process.”
“We have learned that a political solution to any crisis could take years and years to happen,” he added, noting that there is a difference between the return of the refugees and the political solution.
"Lebanon considers that a return has become possible in stages to areas that have become safe and stable in Syria, which are five times the size of Lebanon. Most displaced people in Lebanon are from these areas which have become secure," Aoun said.
The president also revealed that the losses sustained by Lebanon due to the Syrian displacement have reached USD 9.779 billion.
For her part, United Nations special coordinator for Lebanon Pernille Dahler Kardel reiterated the temporary nature for the Syrian refugees in Lebanon, stating that “she agreed with the president over the need for a constructive and productive way to move forward with the partnership between Lebanon and its international partners to deal with the file.
“We also emphasized the importance of this issue,” she said.