The media office of Prime Minister Najib Mikati issued the following statement today, Saturday: "Since the visit of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides to Lebanon two days ago, and the announcement of European support for Lebanon worth one billion dollars, a political and media campaign has been launched under the banner that 'the European Union is offering a bribe to Lebanon in exchange for keeping Syrian refugees on its territory.' This campaign involves politicians, journalists, and media outlets, in a clear attempt to incite instincts and strife, or as a means of populist baiting, or even simply to deny the government any recognition for any step or achievement. It is astonishing that some of these political campaigns use a tone of ridicule that undermines serious and responsible Lebanese diplomacy, showing a clear lack of national responsibility in addressing such an important and dangerous file that requires national consensus and a unified vision for resolution."
He continued: "For a long time, the government and its president, Najib Mikati, have decided to put the issue of Syrian refugees on the path to a fundamental solution, taking a series of practical decisions that have begun to be implemented away from media noise, alongside intensive diplomatic and political efforts to explain the implications of the file and its dangers to Lebanon. After years of complete European and international neglect of this file, the indicators of government diplomatic movement are beginning to bear fruit, even if through initial steps. In all his meetings, the Prime Minister has warned that the ramifications and dangers of the refugee issue will not be limited to Lebanon but will extend to Europe, turning into a regional and international crisis."
He added: "The talk of a European bribe to Lebanon to keep refugees on its land is incorrect, reaffirming that this grant is completely unconditional and is approved by the Lebanese according to the proper procedures for accepting grants. What is happening is a malicious attempt to undermine any government solution under false pretexts and accusations, and what the Prime Minister has achieved as a result of the diplomatic campaign with various external parties. This endeavor will continue with the President during the Brussels conference before the end of this month."
He said: "Regarding the one billion euro package approved for Lebanon by the European Union, announced during the visit of the European Commission President and the Cypriot President to Lebanon, the President reiterates and says clearly that it is unconditional assistance for Lebanon and the Lebanese exclusively, covering health, education, social protection, and the most impoverished families, in addition to assistance for the army and security forces to strengthen border control with increased personnel and equipment. Everything said otherwise is just empty talk and incorrect political accusations. The President has also been clear in affirming the government's determination to apply laws across all Lebanese territories, and anyone residing illegally will be deported to their country, and this matter is not subject to debate, as orders have been given to the relevant agencies to implement what is necessary."
He continued: "True cooperation among the various Lebanese components and a universal understanding of the need for the Lebanese stance to support the government's clear and comprehensive approach to this issue is the only available way to address this file. Hollow media campaigns and comments on social media have no practical effect except for increasing political decay and complicating internal dynamics regarding such a serious issue. The essential question directed to those leading and disseminating these campaigns is as follows: Does national interest require isolating Lebanon at this time from its friends in Europe and the world, doubting any commendable step to support our country under these circumstances, ignoring the serious implications and meanings of all messages of moral, diplomatic, and material support for Lebanon and rushing into populist bidding, or should there be more work to gather greater support and understanding for the Lebanese position and the necessary steps to resolve the refugee issue in a way that protects the country’s sovereignty, its reality, and the interests of its people?"
Regarding the President's remarks on the seasonal migration decision taken by the European Union, which includes Lebanon alongside Turkey, Jordan, Egypt, and Tunisia, he clarified that the intention is not to encourage Lebanese emigration as some have claimed, but to open the door for seasonal job opportunities abroad that will be announced by European countries in a timely manner, thus making this migration legal for those who meet the specified criteria, rather than risking death on illegal boats.
