Prime Minister Saad Hariri declared Thursday that Lebanon maintained the commitment made during Brussels II conference, with the help of the International Community, the Lebanese institutions and the civil society.
In his speech during Brussels III conference, Hariri stressed that the Lebanese government is aware of the need to move forward with the reforms to improve the economic situation and to create jobs, adding that the government will have to take tough decisions to reduce the public debt.
“We need to ensure the necessary funding for Lebanon’s Crisis Response Plan, therefore we ask for $2.9 billion and we must guarantee stability for the long term projects,” he stated.
He also announced that his cabinet remains committed to working with the United Nations agencies within the framework of any initiative that ensures the safe return of the Syrian refugees, including the Russian initiative.
“Amid all the challenges facing Lebanon and the region, we must not forget that the only solution for the refugee crisis is the safe return to their country in accordance with international agreements,” Hariri said, pointing out that Lebanon can no longer bear the economic and social burden of hosting 1.5 million Syrian refugees.