2023-05-19 15:29:24
Mikati: The crisis of the displaced in Lebanon is greater than the country’s capacity
Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati said that Lebanon is still suffering from multiple crises, noting that the vacancy of the position of the President of the Republic has exacerbated these crises.
He added, in a speech he delivered before the Arab summit held in the Saudi city of Jeddah, today (Friday), that the crisis of the displaced in Lebanon is greater than the country’s capacity, according to the “Arab World News Agency.”
Mikati pointed out that “the return of the displaced cannot be achieved without concerted Arab efforts and dialogue with Syria.” He called for the development of “projects to revive the demolished areas in Syria and to set a road map for the return of refugees.”
He thanked first the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the leadership and the people, for embracing the Arab leaders on its blessed land, and they came bringing to it the hopes and pains of their peoples, and looking forward to achieving a better tomorrow for them under the Kingdom’s presidency of the current session of the summit. Thanks are also extended to sister Algeria for all the efforts it made during its presidency of the previous session.
He added: «From Algeria, which worked steadily and quietly for reunification, to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the incubator of the Arabs, all Arabs, and whose leadership we trust in the wisdom and its ability to reconnect what was broken between brothers who unite them much more than what separates them, allow me to call this summit the summit of (healing the wounds) ) As it was preceded by an agreement to restore relations to normal between Saudi Arabia and Iran, as well as the return of sister Syria to play its full role in the League of Arab States.
He said, “This situation has been further complicated by the vacancy of the presidency of the republic and the inability to elect a new president. In addition, Lebanon has never hesitated to open its doors to our displaced Syrian brothers, out of faith in the brotherhood of the two peoples and the advancement of humanitarian considerations over everything else. However, the long duration of the crisis, the failure to address it, and the very large increase in the number of displaced persons, make the displacement crisis greater than Lebanon’s ability to bear, in terms of its infrastructure, social influences and political repercussions at home, and in terms of the natural right of these displaced persons to return to their cities and villages.
He added, “It is a return that cannot be achieved if Arab efforts are not combined, with the support of the international community, and through communication and dialogue with sister Syria within the framework of an inclusive and stimulating Arab position through construction and recovery projects for demolished areas to develop a road map for the return of the Syrian brothers to their homes.”
And he continued, “In this meeting, it is necessary to affirm Lebanon’s respect for all successive international resolutions issued by the UN Security Council and the decisions of the Arab League and its charter, and its commitment to implementing its provisions. I also affirm, in the name of all of Lebanon, respecting the interests of the brotherly countries, their sovereignty, and their social and political security, and combating the export of contraband to them and everything that harms stability in them. It is a firm commitment that stems from a sense of responsibility towards our brothers and our concern for their security and safety and the purity and sincerity of fraternal relations with them.
And he said: “Whoever was able to transfer the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its youth to the leadership and pioneering positions that they reached and transform the Kingdom into a productive country in all the meaning of the word, in a short period, it is not difficult for him to be the supporter of his brothers in Lebanon. From here, we look forward to the Kingdom’s patronage and its fraternal gesture towards my country, Lebanon, so that it can rise again.
He added, “I repeat Lebanon’s thanks to the brotherly countries, especially the members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, for providing job opportunities for the Lebanese on their lands, and within their private and public institutions. Without this sponsorship, Lebanon’s financial, economic and social situation would have been more severe and painful. On this rostrum, we must thank the Iraqi Republic for what it always offers to Lebanon. How we wish a speedy return of all Arab brothers to Lebanon.
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