Member of the "Strong Republic" bloc, Deputy Pierre Bou Assi, responded in a statement from Brussels to the position expressed by the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Joseph Borrell. He stated: "At the conclusion of the conference held today in Brussels, the European Commissioner for Foreign Affairs presented a statement that does not quench thirst nor cure ailments. He claims that the conditions are not right for the return of Syrians to their country but fails to explain what these conditions are."
He added: "Mr. Borrell specifies that the Syrian regime must act for its citizens to be able to return to Syria. However, we do not know what happens if the Syrian regime refuses to receive its citizens. Additionally, Lebanon has no influence over Syrian policy but bears the burden of the extortion practiced by the Assad regime on neighboring countries, particularly Lebanon and European countries."
He concluded: "The Lebanese decision has been made, and we, as Lebanese Forces, care only for the supreme interest of our people, which necessitates the return of the Syrians today rather than tomorrow. The most effective way is to enforce the law and not accept a single dollar for them in Lebanon from the donors."
