Naharnet

Bassil: Lebanon to Defeat Israeli Program for Palestinian Refugees

In light of reports that the United States will disclose a citizenship plan for Palestinian refugees in Arab countries, Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Jebran Bassil emphasized that Lebanon “will never accept the naturalization of Palestinian refugees,” al-Joumhouria daily reported on Thursday.

“This position is neither new nor surprising. We are accustomed to such positions taken by the United States and Israel, and I have always been aware of this the latest was in front of the Arab League two days ago,” the daily quoted Bassil.

Noting also the latest US decision to cut funding for the UNRWA, he said: “The disability of Arabs encourages the transition from the cessation of funding for UNRWA to the next step. But if the entire world accept naturalization, Lebanon will never accept it.”

“As we defeated Israel by removing its occupation, we will defeat it with the naturalization project and with the right of return, which will remain sacred,” added Bassil.

US President Donald Trump reportedly announced recently that at the beginning of 2019 he will disclose a citizenship plan for Palestinian refugees living in Jordan, Syria and Lebanon.

This is the third step for Trump against the Palestinians after the transfer of the US embassy to Jerusalem and the cuts in UNRWA’s funds.

During an urgent meeting of Arab foreign ministers in Cairo on Tuesday, Bassil had pressed Arab nations to step up and help the Palestinian people.

Source: Naharnet


Copyright © 2012 Naharnet.com. All Rights Reserved. https://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/250576