UN Delays Dollar Assistance for Syrian Refugees in Lebanon

The United Nations has postponed its decision to use dollars for some of the cash assistance provided to Syrian refugees in Lebanon, following objections from senior Lebanese officials, who stated that this could increase tensions with Lebanese citizens who are under severe stress. The UN confirmed in a statement today, Saturday, that it decided, based on Lebanese requests, to temporarily halt the use of dollars alongside the Lebanese pound for disbursing assistance next month to refugees, while discussions continue about the appropriate way to provide aid. Security sources report that "the army is pursuing Syrians who do not have valid documents, but relatives of deported Syrians say they face arrest and military conscription as soon as they return to their home country."