On Wednesday, Maronite Patriarch MGR Bechara Rai received Caretaker Minister of Social Affairs Hector Hajjar in a meeting revolving around the Syrian refugee file.
“I handed the patriarch a file on the costs that Lebanon and its citizens have borne for 11 years, from the presence of these refugees” Hajjar stated, explaining that a study was conducted for the Patriarch to use it in his upcoming visit to Europe.
Adding on the matter, Hajjar hoped for open ministerial committee sessions on the Syrian refugee file, to follow up on the points that were discussed as well as pending issues. He also called for the inclusion of security agencies and of Governors from all regions to the committee, for their role as part of the executive branch.
When asked about the requested refugee data from the UN, Hajjar responded: “We have not received the data until this present day,” and called on Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati to take a decision on matters of cooperation in this file.
