Bassil Says Politicians Should Put Differences Aside to Help Expats
Foreign Minister Jebran Bassil said on Wednesday on the last leg of his tour to West Africa that the Lebanese officials should end their disputes and resolve the problems of Lebanese expatriates.
“We should work hand in hand and put our political and sectarian differences aside, in particular when we talk about the issue of Lebanese expats,” said Bassil during a ceremony held in Lagos, Nigeria's commercial hub.
“Although Lebanon is facing danger, you are a fundamental aspect of the (efforts exerted) to defend it,” the foreign minister told the Lebanese community's representatives at the ceremony.
“Our responsibility lies in caring for the Lebanese abroad, visiting them and inquiring them about their needs,” said Bassil.
He called on the government to give the expats their rights, including the Lebanese nationality and the right to vote.
The Lebanese authorities should also work on opening Lebanese schools abroad, he stated.
“Continued contact between Lebanon and the expats is very important,” Bassil said.
“We need your energy to strengthen investment in Lebanon,” he added.
Before his last stop in Nigeria, Bassil was in the Ivory Coast where he met with officials and members of the Lebanese community.
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