MP Sethrida Geagea of the Strong Republic Bloc, led by the Lebanese Forces (LF), emphasized on Saturday the illegality of the Syrian presence in Lebanon, advocating for a strict classification of their status in the country.
Speaking from Maarab during a meeting of the Cedar’s Mountain Foundation (CMF), Geagea criticized the current terminology used to describe Syrians in Lebanon, stating, “The Syrian presence in Lebanon is illegal, and we must all start characterizing things as they are, and we can never again use the term 'refugees’ or ‘asylum seekers’ to describe their presence."
Geagea, who chaired the meeting in the presence of several notable officials, including former MP Joseph Ishac and Vice President of the Foundation Dr. Leila Geagea, pointed out the specific agreement with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees that was inked in 2003 and which classifies Lebanon as a 'country of transit' and not a 'country of asylum’.
This distinction, she argues, underscores the necessity of reevaluating the status of Syrians in Lebanon.
Expressing frustration over the lack of progress in addressing this issue, which she believes threatens Lebanon’s economic, financial, and security stability, Geagea declared, “We can no longer tolerate any laxity in resolving this matter."
She said she was actively engaged with high-level officials, including Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and the General Director of the Internal Security Forces, Major General Imad Osman, to push for a resolution.
“The aim is to urge the officials to exercise their authority in order to preserve the rights of the Lebanese citizens to live in safety and security and to prevent issues and tension between the Lebanese and Syrians who are illegally present in Lebanon,” Geagea explained. She also mentioned presenting practical suggestions to ensure these policies are implemented effectively.
Geagea detailed how her colleagues are working with local municipalities and security services to enforce existing laws regarding the Syrian presence, treating them as any other foreigners in Lebanon.
Speaking from Maarab during a meeting of the Cedar’s Mountain Foundation (CMF), Geagea criticized the current terminology used to describe Syrians in Lebanon, stating, “The Syrian presence in Lebanon is illegal, and we must all start characterizing things as they are, and we can never again use the term 'refugees’ or ‘asylum seekers’ to describe their presence."
Geagea, who chaired the meeting in the presence of several notable officials, including former MP Joseph Ishac and Vice President of the Foundation Dr. Leila Geagea, pointed out the specific agreement with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees that was inked in 2003 and which classifies Lebanon as a 'country of transit' and not a 'country of asylum’.
This distinction, she argues, underscores the necessity of reevaluating the status of Syrians in Lebanon.
Expressing frustration over the lack of progress in addressing this issue, which she believes threatens Lebanon’s economic, financial, and security stability, Geagea declared, “We can no longer tolerate any laxity in resolving this matter."
She said she was actively engaged with high-level officials, including Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and the General Director of the Internal Security Forces, Major General Imad Osman, to push for a resolution.
“The aim is to urge the officials to exercise their authority in order to preserve the rights of the Lebanese citizens to live in safety and security and to prevent issues and tension between the Lebanese and Syrians who are illegally present in Lebanon,” Geagea explained. She also mentioned presenting practical suggestions to ensure these policies are implemented effectively.
Geagea detailed how her colleagues are working with local municipalities and security services to enforce existing laws regarding the Syrian presence, treating them as any other foreigners in Lebanon.
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