Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati confirmed today, Thursday, that “the one billion euro package approved for Lebanon by the European Union is unconditional. It is for Lebanon and the Lebanese and covers health, education, social protection, and the poorest families, in addition to assistance for the army and security forces, including the General Security and Internal Security Forces, to control the land borders, along with an increase in personnel and equipment.” He added: “We will assist the army in enhancing its presence and capabilities to secure the land and maritime borders."
Mikati affirmed that "there is no bribery as some claim, nor is there a condition that the one billion aid be a prerequisite for the stay of displaced persons in Lebanon.” He noted that "for the first time, the President of the European Commission visited Lebanon because the European Union established laws regarding the Syrian displaced persons."
He continued: "In previous EU-related conferences, it was said that Syrians should stay with you, and take whatever money you want," pointing out that "the Lebanese state has resolved to apply the laws across Lebanon, and anyone residing illegally will be deported to their country; this matter is not negotiable, and orders have been given to the relevant authorities to implement what is necessary."
Regarding the displaced persons in Lebanon, Mikati said, “There are three categories of displaced persons: the first includes those who entered immediately following the events, the second encompasses those who entered after the events and were registered by international organizations, while the third group includes illegal residents.” He called for "applying Lebanese laws on Lebanese territory," noting that "the European Union has been asked to acknowledge that there are safe areas in Syria." He added, "There is a European division regarding the issue of safe areas, and we will campaign in this regard to push the EU to decide that there are safe areas in Syria."
On the issue of displaced persons in Lebanon, Mikati stated, “Any Syrian residing in Lebanon illegally will be deported, and the registered ones will be treated differently from the unregistered ones." He indicated that "the General Security has been directed to conduct a census; since the beginning of the year, we have been working to manage the reality of Syrian displaced persons, and efforts will be intensified. What we proposed to the EU is to enhance military measures at the Lebanese crossings and to assist us."
Mikati confirmed that "we will spare no effort to resolve this issue and the army will be present within the available resources, which we will work on enhancing for the military institution to fulfill its duties." He added: "I contacted the Syrian Prime Minister and heard clear responses that Syria poses no obstacle to any Syrian wishing to return to their country,” further noting that “as Lebanese, we will not put any political refugee at risk and will consider cases related to humanitarian issues and those concerning the protection of residents through asylum.”
Mikati emphasized that "currently, directives have been given to the acting General Director of Lebanese Security, Major General Elias Bechara, to follow up this file, and he will visit Syria soon; if necessary, Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib will visit Damascus."
He stated: “Today, we set a condition for the European Union that assistance should not be given to Syrians in Lebanon but as an incentive for their return to their country, and I felt full understanding, and we will follow up the matter." He stressed that "we will take a study about the realities to the Brussels conference regarding the displaced, and the President of the European Commission encouraged Lebanon to attend to explain this reality."
He added: "The presentation I will offer in Brussels to the EU will be based on a World Bank report concerning the dire consequences of Syrian displacement on Lebanon."
Regarding his visit to France, Mikati said: "In my recent visit to France and in my discussion with President Macron, there was progress and French understanding regarding Lebanon's application of valid laws on its territory." He pointed out that “what reassures me is that the Lebanese position on the issue of Syrian displacement has been unified.” Mikati noted that “I no longer hear from the EU that displaced persons must remain in Lebanon; on our part, we say that any illegal resident will be deported."
Mikati confirmed that "European assistance is for Lebanon and the Lebanese, and the EU Commissioner affirmed this in three meetings we held." He pointed out that “Lebanon is not a border guard for Europe and will not be blackmailed by anyone; we request assistance together to protect our homelands and let’s begin by raising the issue of safe areas within Syria as a precursor to resolving this file,” noting that “what I heard from the EU establishes a strong collaboration as the Union considers us neighboring countries and wants to assist us in all fields.”
He warned that "some areas will prevent the education of Syrians in the afternoon next year, and we will not allow adding a new problem to the existing issues due to the Syrian displacement."
