Aoun: We Can No Longer Absorb More Displaced Persons!

Republic President General Joseph Aoun informed the Director General of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development, Ms. Susan Rapp, of his welcome for Lebanon signing an agreement with the Centre aimed at regulating the legal and institutional status of the Centre's representation in Lebanon, providing a formal framework ensuring the continuation of the Centre's work in Beirut, enabling it to operate effectively and expand its activities, as well as allowing it to launch broader and longer-term programs in coordination with Lebanese institutions.

He noted that "Lebanon is no longer capable of absorbing more Syrian displaced persons, and communication is ongoing with the Syrian state to organize their return in stages. The international community and humanitarian organizations providing assistance to these displaced persons in Lebanon must provide it to them in their own countries, to encourage their return."

For her part, Rapp affirmed to President Aoun "the Centre's commitment to helping Lebanon, enhancing areas of cooperation, and providing necessary expertise, including training, focusing on the importance of partnership with Lebanon, which enjoys a high standing given its strategic role as a partner to Europe and the Mediterranean region."