“We will not accept to become an alternative homeland.” Mikati: Lebanon bears the greatest burden among the countries of the region regarding the issue of displaced people

Lebanon – Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati confirmed that Lebanon bears the greatest burden among the countries of the region and the world regarding hosting the displaced, expressing his rejection of Lebanon becoming an alternative homeland.

Mikati warned, during a press conference following talks he held in Beirut with the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, that the fireball related to the Syrian refugee issue would not be limited to Lebanon, but would extend to Europe and turn into a regional and international crisis.

Mikati stressed that what is required is to support the displaced in their country to encourage them to return voluntarily, which will guarantee them a decent life in their homeland.

He said: “If we stress this issue, it is based on our warning once morest Lebanon becoming a transit country from Syria to Europe, and the problems occurring on the Cypriot border are only a sample of what might happen if this issue is not addressed radically.”

Mikati added, “What is required, as a first stage, is European and international recognition that most of the Syrian regions have become safe, which will facilitate the process of returning the displaced.”

Mikati held extensive talks with the Cypriot President and the President of the European Commission at the government headquarters in Beirut, in the presence of participating delegations from Lebanon, Cyprus, and the European Commission. The Cypriot President stressed the necessity of working with the UNHCR on the issue of the voluntary return of displaced persons.

He said: “I realize the great challenges that the presence of the displaced poses to the economy and society in Lebanon, and I stress that Lebanon’s efforts should not be taken as if they were achieved. Therefore, we cannot continue to work as if everything is fine, as this problem is long and must be addressed effectively, decisively and comprehensively.” “.

He added: “We must work more closely with our partners and with the UNHCR in order to discuss the issue of voluntary return, but not only that, but the assessment of the situation in some areas in Syria must be reconsidered.”

Source: RT+, National News Agency