Lebanese President: Communication Ongoing with Syria to Organize Phased Return of Displaced Persons

Beirut - Mansour Shaaban: Lebanese President General Joseph Aoun affirmed that Lebanon is no longer able to absorb more Syrian displaced persons, noting that communication remains ongoing with the Syrian state to organize their return to their country in stages.

During a meeting at Baabda Palace with Susan Rabe, Director General of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), Aoun stated that the international community and humanitarian organizations providing assistance to displaced persons in Lebanon should channel their aid to them in Syria, thereby encouraging their return.

He pointed out that Lebanon has hosted Syrian displaced persons since the onset of events in Syria in 2011, and is currently working to facilitate their return now that the causes of their displacement have ceased, in light of the political changes witnessed in Syria.

He clarified that the army and security forces are working to prevent the use of Lebanese territory as a launching point for migration to European countries, welcoming any assistance provided to Lebanon to achieve this goal, and commending the role of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development.

Aoun also welcomed the signing of an agreement between Lebanon and the Centre to regulate the legal and institutional status of its representation in the country, providing a formal framework for the continuation of its work in Beirut, the expansion of its activities, and the launch of longer-term programs in coordination with Lebanese institutions.

For her part, Rabe affirmed the Centre’s commitment to assisting Lebanon, enhancing cooperation with it, and providing expertise and training, highlighting the importance of partnership with Beirut and its strategic role for Europe and the Mediterranean region.

She noted that the Centre is implementing several projects in Lebanon, including strengthening integrated border management, developing an integrated maritime strategy, and upgrading a training school for land border battalions, thereby supporting the transformation of Lebanon into a regional training hub.

At the government palace, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam discussed with Major General Edgard Laundos, Director General of State Security, the follow-up on measures addressed during the emergency meeting regarding cases of food poisoning and suspected food fraud.

In another file, Salam, during the launch of the “National Strategy for the Rights and Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities,” affirmed that the strategy represents a commitment by the Lebanese state to its citizens, and is not limited to a specific ministry or a sectoral document added to state documents.

He stressed that the rights of persons with disabilities are not a separate social file, but rather a test of the state’s ability to ensure equality of rights and opportunities for all its citizens.

In a separate context, Chinese Ambassador to Lebanon Chen Quandong, during a visit to the Sidon municipality leading a delegation, affirmed that his country believes in Lebanon’s future and is working to contribute to the establishment of peace and stability there.

He pointed to China’s support for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), noting the participation of more than 470 Chinese officers and soldiers in its ranks.

He revealed that his country handed over more than 650 tons of humanitarian aid to Lebanon last May, with a second shipment on its way, in addition to the implementation of small development projects in several villages and towns in the south, including solar energy systems and street lighting.

The Chinese ambassador reiterated his country’s supportive stance toward Lebanon’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, security, independence, and national unity, calling for Israel’s complete and immediate withdrawal from Lebanese territories.

He also stressed the necessity of maintaining a strong United Nations presence in southern Lebanon, affirming that China will continue to work with Security Council members to ensure the continuation of UNIFIL, and that a security vacuum in the south would not serve the interests of Lebanon or the region.

On the ground, Israeli operations and aerial flights continued over several Lebanese areas, while border regions witnessed movements

The warplane used shells to target the outskirts of villages and towns, while areas in eastern Zouitar sustained damage and fires. Meanwhile, the Israeli air force conducted flights at medium to low altitudes over the northern border areas of Akkar and Hermel.