President of the Republic, General Michel Aoun, met the new Representative of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees in Lebanon, Mr. AYAKI ITO, today at the Presidential Palace.
The President told Mr. ITO that “Lebanon, which holds the highest percentage of displaced Syrians in the world, in relation to its population and small area, has reached a stage of exhaustion as a result of negative repercussions of this displacement and the reluctance of countries to provide aid due to economic conditions”.
“This requires quick action in order to facilitate the return of displaced Syrians to their country, after the vast Syrian areas have become safe” the President added.
In addition, President Aoun stressed that addressing the displacement crisis has become a necessity, especially since Lebanon “Doesn’t have the luxury to wait for a political solution as a pre-condition for the return of the displaced, especially since modern history doesn’t encourage waiting for such solutions. Evidence is the Cyprus crisis which has continued since 1974, and the Palestinian crisis since 1948”.
Moreover, the President indicated that “Lebanon looks forward to the Brussels meeting which is dedicated to supporting the future of Syria and the region, hoping that it will issue decisions which facilitate the return of the displaced and end their suffering”.
Finally, President Aoun wished Mr. ITO all success in his new tasks, noting his experience in the field of refugee affairs.
The UNHCR Representative was accompanied by UNHCR liaison officer, Mr. Dominique Tohme. Also attending the meeting were: former Minister, Salim Jreisatti, Presidency Director General, Dr. Antoine Choucair, Judge Yehya Karkatli, advisors Osama Khashab and Antoine Constantine.
Source: NNA