The President of the Lebanese Kataeb Party, Deputy Sami Gemayel, emphasized that "we warned of the dangers of the random influx of displaced persons, which has imposed a significant burden on Lebanon. Lebanon was ranked 19th in terms of population density, and today it has reached 3rd place globally." He pointed out that "the same countries that refuse to accept refugees are giving us lessons on human rights while we are hosting over two million Syrians, regardless of our opinion on the Lebanese government’s policy, which we have reservations about regarding the management of this file."
During a conference to present the Kataeb Party's solutions to address the crisis of Syrians in Lebanon, Gemayel stated that "displacement today has become primarily due to the economic situation in Syria, and most Syrians have become economic refugees rather than political refugees, preferring to stay with us because the economic situation in Lebanon is better than in Syria, and thus the title of political asylum cannot be applied to them."
He also presented the "political solutions proposed by the Kataeb Party, which do not require amendments to laws or exceptional decisions, such as creating a mechanism to determine the legal status of Syrians in Lebanon." Gemayel called for "the establishment of a fair and effective mechanism to determine the legal status of Syrians in Lebanon, especially since the majority of them have become economic migrants. This would ensure the provision of accurate data on the actual number of Syrians in Lebanon, their original places of residence, and the true reasons for each of their presence in Lebanon."
He confirmed that "this would enable the Lebanese government and relevant organizations to assess the individual situations of Syrians and identify those whose lives are still at risk and who still need protection, in addition to migrants for economic reasons. This process would facilitate informed decisions regarding the best solution for each case and enhance transparency and compliance with Lebanese and international laws."
Furthermore, he added: "Facilitating the return to safe areas in Syria is important, as the conditions for the return of Syrians to safe areas in Syria have become available." The party urged "the Lebanese government to collaborate with all stakeholders to identify safe areas within Syria and expedite the gradual return of Syrians to the areas where their return can be considered safe."
Among the proposed solutions is "removing the status of asylum from Syrians who regularly travel to Syria and then return to Lebanon and deporting those who entered clandestinely or illegally." Gemayel called on "the Lebanese security authorities to revoke the asylum status of Syrians who frequently travel back and forth to Syria and restrict their return according to Lebanese laws," asking for "a reconsideration of the Lebanese-Syrian agreements that exempt Syrians from the obligation of obtaining a visa to enter Lebanese territory."
Additionally, the party announced that "any Syrian who entered or returned to Lebanon clandestinely or illegally should be deported, and the Lebanese authorities should waive any associated fees and fines to facilitate their departure permanently." These measures aim to address security challenges and prevent the misuse of the protection conditions provided to them in Lebanon. By enforcing these restrictions, Lebanon seeks to maintain the safety of its borders and manage the situation of Syrians more effectively."
The party called on "the Lebanese army to deploy along the border with Syria and take immediate action to close all illegal crossings and enhance checkpoints on the illegal routes used by Syrians, collaborating with relevant municipalities to confront all activities of networks smuggling Syrian migrants in border areas and referring them to the competent judiciary."
