European-Lebanese positions on resolving Syrian refugee crisis in Lebanon are not serious

The file of Syrian refugees in Lebanon is still very active, and this was recently highlighted in the visit of the Cypriot President and the President of the European Commission to Lebanon, to meet with officials and develop a road map for the safe return of Syrian refugees to their country and control illegal immigration.

In the official positions, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri stressed that the parties concerned with the Syrian displacement file must communicate with the Damascus government. Because its presence has become overwhelming in most of the Syrian territories, he expressed his satisfaction with the progress in the displacement file by saying that it is the first time he feels seriousness in the issue of Syrian refugees.

Prime Minister Najib Mikati considered that there is a new European path regarding Syrian refugees, and every illegal resident will be deported to his country, stressing that Lebanon will not expose any political refugee to danger, and will consider cases related to humanitarian issues and those related to protecting residents through asylum. .

The Cypriot President: We must work with the UNHCR on the issue of voluntary return of refugees

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced aid worth one billion euros to Lebanon for three years, in support of Lebanon's stability and the challenges of hosting refugees.

The Director General of Public Security, Major General Elias Al-Bisari, was assigned to re-establish communication with the Syrian authorities to find a solution to the prisoner file, noting that the number of Syrian refugees in Lebanon amounts to two million and 100 thousand, which is equivalent to 43 percent of the number residing in the country, according to Public security numbers.

Lebanese Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi, regarding the issue of Syrian refugees, confirmed that the Ministry of Interior issued circulars to municipalities in order to implement the law. He pointed out that: “Lebanon bears a lot of Syrian displacement, and through these laws we control the security situation.”

These are all the Lebanese and European positions that seek the return of Syrian refugees to their country, but they are not serious and impractical, as those following this file describe, considering that what is most important is communication with the Syrian authorities, who also play an essential role in the safe return of Syrians, without putting pressure on them or persecuting them, especially those who fled to Lebanon for fear of the Damascus government.

Submit a proposal for cooperation with the Autonomous Administration

The Secretary-General of the Permanent Conference of Federalism, Dr. Alfred Riachi, said in an interview with ANHA's agency that the steps related to the return of refugees to their country are not serious, and there are no measures taken by the Lebanese state and even by the political forces, and he blames the political forces for procrastination in dealing with the Syrian refugee issue, in particular the uncooperative Hezbollah is interested in keeping the Syrians in Lebanon to use them as a political card in any negotiations that may take place in the future.

Alfred Riachi added: “We presented an initiative to Lebanon, specifically to Hezbollah and to the government represented by Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib, in cooperation with the Autonomous Administration in North and East Syria, but there was no seriousness in dealing with this issue.

As for the content of the initiative, Riachi said: “It stipulates the safe return of refugees to their country, with full preparation to secure logistics and security guarantees, but the initiative has been placed in the mold of evasion and neglect.”

As for the visit of the Cypriot President and the President of the European Commission to discuss the refugee file, it was not positive, and did not include any plan for the return of the refugees. Rather, it was characterized by what is called bribery, worth one billion euros, to remain silent about the refugee file and keep them in Lebanon.

As for controlling the maritime and land borders, Riachi believes that there is no ability to control the borders, but serious and real work by the relevant authorities remains essential, which contributes to their control in a significant way, and also prevents the Syrian refugee issue from escalating and worsening.

Regarding the racism practiced against Syrians in Lebanon, Riachi stressed that it is important to respect international conventions that enshrine human rights. He added: “There are sensitive circumstances that the Lebanese components are experiencing, including living, political and security crises, which make them unable to bear this pressure from the refugees. According to international conventions, Lebanon is a transit country and not a country of asylum, and therefore this issue and human rights defenders must be understood.” He also took the initiative to welcome Syrian refugees to their country.”

Riachi noted that the continuation of racism towards Syrians is unacceptable and will lead to an increase in cases of extremism and racial discrimination, leading to acts of violence.

Riachi stressed: “This issue must be dealt with quickly to avoid any problem that could lead to undesirable consequences.”

The most important thing now remains for the Lebanese political parties to work seriously and humanely with the Syrian authorities for the safe return of Syrian refugees to their country, especially those residing in Lebanon illegally, and to deal humanely with the legal Syrian refugees who fled conflict and violence, left their homes and separated from their families to... Lebanon, which they considered safer and more stable.

T/ Satt.

ANHA