The head of the "Free Patriotic Movement," MP Gebran Basil, stated that "the offer of one billion euros from Europe in exchange for the continued presence of displaced persons is an attempt to 'rent' Lebanon and its people." He pointed out that "there is a veiled and gradual displacement of Lebanese people under the pretext of seasonal migration, which could eventually lead to permanent migration, as we know the Lebanese and Europe’s need for them."
In a press conference today, Basil said, "Cyprus is suffering from increasing migration of Syrian displaced persons from Lebanon towards it, and it is unable to bear this burden. It is acting in its own interest, and Lebanon is demanded to act in its own interest."
He also noted that "Europe is fighting the migration of Syrians to its countries and is telling Lebanon, 'You have to keep the Syrians with you while we open the door for the migration of your people,' meaning the replacement of the Lebanese people with Syrian displaced persons."
He continued: "We want a Lebanese political decision to repatriate the displaced persons, not funding to keep them, as money does not help; rather, there needs to be a strong stand to bring the displaced back."
