Abi Nasr to LBCI: citizenship law a natural right

MP Nematallah Abi Nasr said on Tuesday that the approval of the law to restore citizenship to individuals of Lebanese origin is “a positive and very significant move.”    

Abi Nasr told Nharkom Said TV show that the Lebanese citizenship is a natural right for these individuals since they are recovering the citizenship of their ancestors, adding that “it is neither a favor nor a gift.”     

Abi Nasr added that the approved draft law was the same as the one submitted to parliament in 2004 and obstructed when referred to the municipal committees.    

Abi Nasr confirmed that, under the new law, each Lebanese whose name was included in the 1921 and 1924 census or who has lost citizenship under the 1932 census could recover, as well as his descendants, the Lebanese citizenship only by carrying out simple procedures.     

“Each individual recovering his citizenship will be interrogated by a committee headed by a judge and membered by the General Director of Personal Status, provided that a decree, subject to appeal, will be later issued”, he added, voicing hope that the law be passed by parliament swiftly.