Aoun: We call for safe return of refugees without linking it to a political solution

President Michel Aoun opened on Sunday the Arab Economic and Social Development Summit held in Beirut's Waterfront District.

In his speech, Aoun said that “an earthquake of mobile wars has hit our region and the losses are heavy,” adding that today’s session does not aim at discussing the reasons or the ones who were behind these wars “but to address their devastating consequences on the economy in our countries."

On another note, Aoun called on the International community to deploy all efforts in order to provide conditions for the safe return of the displaced Syrians, especially to the stable areas that can be reached.

“Such issue should not be linked to a political solution,” he added.

He also pointed out that "work was done on a draft final statement on the displaced and refugee crisis given the repercussions of this serious crisis on the economy of the region's countries and its existential risks to the existing social fabric in the region."

Since Syria's conflict erupted in 2011, more than 1 million people have fled across the border to Lebanon, where aid agencies say most refugees live in extreme poverty.
 
The United Nations says conditions are not yet in place for safe returns.

Lebanese politicians have stepped up calls for refugees to go home now that Syria's President Bashar al-Assad has recovered control over most of the country with Russian and Iranian help.
 
This as Aoun announced an initiative that aims to adopt a strategy of reconstruction and development, including the establishment of an Arab Bank for reconstruction and development to assist all affected Arab countries and peoples to overcome their plight.

The president concluded by regretting the failure of some Arab leaders to attend the summit, adding that they “have their own excuses for not attending.”