Lebanon is taking steps towards establishing refugee camps for Syrian displaced persons as part of efforts to address the ongoing Syrian refugee crisis. George Boucheikani, the Lebanese Minister of Industry, revealed that a friendly visit by Lebanon’s Foreign Minister, Abdallah Bouhabib, to Syria was intended to develop a mechanism for regulating the return of Syrian refugees, reorganizing their status, and setting a schedule for their return.
Boucheikani emphasized that communication channels with Syria have opened, and Lebanon is closely monitoring the situation. There is a consensus in Lebanon regarding the need to address this issue effectively.
The Lebanese government is actively working alongside the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to establish a refugee camp for Syrians along the Lebanese-Syrian border. This move is seen as crucial, especially with Lebanon seeking to create a contingency plan to shelter internally displaced persons from southern Lebanon in the event of an escalation of conflict on the southern front.
Describing the situation in Gaza as a “war of extermination,” Boucheikani noted that southern Lebanon is within a conflict zone. He expressed hope that the international community would unite to cease hostilities in Gaza.
Addressing the verbal dispute between Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Defense Minister Maurice Slim regarding the appointment of the Chief of Staff of the Lebanese Army, Boucheikani characterized it as a minor disagreement that is expected to be resolved soon. He highlighted that the primary concern at present is resolving the Syrian refugee issue and preparing for potential confrontations with Israel.
