In a significant step towards addressing the displacement crisis, Cyprus and Lebanon have come to an understanding on establishing a practical framework similar to the European Union’s arrangement with Tunisia. This development followed discussions between Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati during Christodoulides’ official visit to Beirut. The agreed framework aims to provide the Lebanese government with essential aid and incentivize Syrian refugees to return to their homeland, according to a statement from the Lebanese government.
President Christodoulides emphasized the importance of a comprehensive and sustainable solution to the Syrian refugee crisis and its repercussions on regional countries, particularly Lebanon and Cyprus. He underscored the necessity of addressing the displacement issue comprehensively and sustainably. Both Cyprus and Lebanon value their historical and brotherly relations and are committed to jointly preserving the security of their nations and the Eastern Mediterranean.
The Cypriot President and Prime Minister Mikati held a bilateral meeting upon Christodoulides’ arrival in Lebanon for a one-day official visit. This was followed by extensive discussions involving Lebanese Interior and Municipalities Minister Judge Bassam Mawlawi and the accompanying delegation. Participants from the Lebanese side included Army Commander General Joseph Aoun, Lebanese Ambassador to Cyprus Claude El Hajal, Director-General of the Presidency Antoine Choucair, Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers Judge Mahmoud Makie, Director-General of the Internal Security Forces Major General Imad Osman. From the Cypriot side, Foreign Minister Konstantinos Kombos, Interior Minister Konstantinos Ioannou, Cyprus’s Ambassador to Lebanon Maria Hajj Theodosiou, government spokesperson Konstantinos Lymbiotis, and Cypriot Army Chief General Georgios Tsitsikostas were present.
President Christodoulides acknowledged Cyprus’s understanding of the Lebanese situation, the sensitivity of the issue for Lebanon, and the importance of a final, inclusive solution. He noted, “At the same time, we understand Lebanon’s official stance that the ultimate solution can only be achieved through their return.” He pointed out that certain areas in Syria have become safe and that the majority of displaced persons are economically displaced. He called for international and international organizations to fund developmental projects in Syria to encourage returns. This crisis impacts not only the security of Lebanon and Cyprus but also the security of the Mediterranean.
