Political and media campaign.. Mikati responds to allegations of “European bribery” to keep displaced Syrians in Lebanon

Lebanon – Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati denied rumors about the existence of what he called a “European bribe” to his country in exchange for keeping displaced Syrians in Lebanon, stressing that European aid to his country is unconditional.

The media office of the Lebanese caretaker prime minister said in a statement: “Since the visit of the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, to Lebanon two days ago, and the announcement of European support to Lebanon worth one billion dollars, a political and media campaign has been launched under the title that, ‘The European Union offers a bribe’. Lebanon in exchange for keeping the displaced Syrians on its land.”

The statement stated that this campaign involves politicians, journalists, and the media in a clear attempt to arouse instincts and sentiments, or as a matter of popular outreach, or even simply because the government does not recognize any step or achievement.

Mikati’s office added, “It is surprising that some of these political campaigns use a tone of sarcasm that offends serious and responsible Lebanese diplomacy, in a clear lack of a sense of national responsibility in approaching a file of this size and seriousness that requires national consensus and a unified vision to resolve it.”

He continued: “A long time ago, the government and its Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, took the decision to put the file of displaced Syrians on the path to radical treatment. It took a series of practical decisions and began implementing them away from the media hubbub, in parallel with an intense diplomatic and political movement to explain the dimensions of the file and its danger to Lebanon.

He stressed that after years of absolute European and international neglect of this file, indicators of the government’s diplomatic movement have begun to bear fruit, even with preliminary steps, noting that the Prime Minister, in all his meetings, was warning that the repercussions of the displaced file and its seriousness will not be limited to Lebanon, but will extend to Europe to turn into a crisis. Regional and international.

In this context, he stressed that “talk about a European bribe to Lebanon to keep the displaced on its land is incorrect, while stressing that this gift is absolutely unconditional and is approved by Lebanon in accordance with the procedures followed when accepting gifts.”

He pointed out that what is happening is a malicious attempt to thwart any government solution under false pretexts and accusations.

Mikati’s office confirmed that this effort will be continued by the Prime Minister during the Brussels conference before the end of this month.

Regarding the one billion euro package approved for Lebanon by the European Union and announced during the visit of the President of the European Commission and Cypriot President Nikos to Lebanon, Mikati’s office said that the Prime Minister reiterates and says very clearly that it is unconditional aid for Lebanon and the Lebanese exclusively and includes the health, education, social protection sectors and the poorest families, in addition. To provide assistance to the army and security forces, including public security and internal security forces, to control the land borders and increase equipment.

He explained that everything said otherwise is just empty talk and incorrect political accusations.

His office stated that Mikati was clear in affirming the government’s intention to apply the laws to all Lebanese lands, and anyone who resides illegally will be deported to his country. This issue is indisputable, and orders have been given to the competent agencies to implement what is necessary.

He stated that cooperation between the various Lebanese components and a comprehensive understanding of the need for the Lebanese position to be supportive of the government’s clear and comprehensive direction in this file is the only available way to address this file, stressing that empty media campaigns and comments on social media sites have no practical effect except more wear and tear. Political and increasing internal complexity in a file of this seriousness.

Source: RT