The issue of Syrian refugees dominated the visit by the European Parliament's delegation for relations with Eastern Mediterranean countries, headed by MEP Isabel Santos and four other members representing four political groups. They were received in the morning by the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, Nabih Berri, at the second presidential palace in Ain al-Tineh. The discussions covered the overall developments in the country, particularly the presidential elections, negotiations between Lebanon and the International Monetary Fund, and the Syrian displacement crisis and its repercussions on Lebanon.
The Speaker welcomed the delegation, emphasizing the "depth and historic nature of the relations between Lebanon and Europe," noting that "the name of this continent is derived from the daughter of the king of Tyre." He considered that "the bonds that unite Lebanon with Europe are rooted in history and culture." Regarding the Syrian refugees, Speaker Berri expressed hope that the European Union would take the initiative to help Lebanon find a quick solution to this humanitarian issue that has reached a level of severity that Lebanon can no longer bear.
In this context, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati stressed to the European delegation the need to address the refugees' file, stating: "The main problem in Lebanon currently, alongside the known political crises, is the crisis of Syrian refugees whom we welcomed warmly 11 years ago. However, their presence has begun to weigh heavily on the Lebanese and is causing problems on various fronts: demographic, economic, and political."
He added: "Therefore, we are in continuous dialogue with various European countries and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, explaining this reality and that Lebanon can no longer bear this displacement, especially in the absence of any international plan for their return." He continued: "We are in the process of preparing a plan that was presented by Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib a few days ago at the 'Support Conference for Syria and Host Countries for Refugees,' and we hope there will be a positive response to it."
Moreover, Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib met with the delegation for relations with Eastern Mediterranean countries in the European Parliament, led by MEP Isabel Santos, to discuss the Syrian displacement issue and its implications for Lebanon, as well as maritime border demarcation.
