The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants in the caretaker government, Abdullah Buhabib, sent a message to the Vice President of the European Commission, Commissioner for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, condemning the decision made by the European Parliament on 12/07/2023. The letter also addressed the issue of Syrian refugees and other topics.
Buhabib emphasized in his message the necessity of "launching a constructive and comprehensive dialogue between Lebanon and the European Union on all issues, particularly the Syrian displacement issue, which has started to pose a threat not only to the Lebanese social structure and economic stability but also to the continued existence of Lebanon as an entity."
He pointed to Lebanon's commitment to "its rights and responsibilities in facilitating the safe and dignified return of Syrian displaced persons to their homes, especially to their safe areas, in accordance with international law principles and without contradicting the Lebanese constitution, which states that Lebanon is not a country of asylum."
He stressed the "need for the international community to address the root causes of Syrian displacement as mentioned in the European Parliament's resolution and to expedite early recovery, including securing infrastructure and basic social services in Syria to facilitate the return of displaced persons."
Buhabib noted Lebanon's readiness to initiate a dialogue with the European Union aimed at establishing a roadmap for the safe and dignified return of Syrian displaced persons to their country, encouraging the advancement of the idea of forming a comprehensive management advisory mission under the European Union to address the urgent needs of the Lebanese public sector and provide essential services. He expressed hope for the launch of a comprehensive and constructive Lebanese-European dialogue covering all areas, especially the sensitive issue of displacement.
