Lebanon’s Foreign Minister, Abdallah Bouhabib, has vehemently criticized the European Parliament’s decision to keep Syrian refugees in Lebanon. In a letter to Josep Borrell, Vice President of the European Commission and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Bouhabib expressed his disapproval of the resolution passed on July 12, 2023.
According to Lebanon’s Al-Nahar newspaper, Bouhabib emphasized in his letter the “necessity to initiate a comprehensive and constructive dialogue between Lebanon and the European Union on all issues, especially the Syrian displacement file. The Syrian refugee situation is beginning to pose a threat not only to Lebanon’s social fabric and economic stability but also to Lebanon’s continued existence as an entity.”
Bouhabib reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to facilitating the safe and dignified return of Syrian refugees to their homes, particularly to the safe areas. This commitment aligns with international law principles and does not contradict the Lebanese constitution, which states that Lebanon is not a country of asylum.
He also highlighted the “need for the international community to address the causes of Syrian displacement as stated in the European Parliament resolution and to expedite early recovery, including securing infrastructure and essential social services in Syria to facilitate the return of the displaced.”
Furthermore, Bouhabib reaffirmed Lebanon’s readiness to launch a dialogue with the European Union aimed at creating a roadmap for the safe and dignified return of Syrian refugees to their country.
In the conclusion of his letter, the Lebanese Foreign Minister encouraged the idea of establishing a comprehensive administrative advisory mission under the European Union to investigate the urgent needs of the Lebanese public sector and provide essential services. He also expressed hope for a comprehensive and constructive Lebanese-European dialogue covering all areas, particularly the sensitive issue of refugees.
