Bassil Hails Pompeo’s Refugee Remarks before the Congress
Foreign Minister Jebran Bassil praised the remarks reportedly made by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo before the Congress about refugees, describing it as an “advanced move” towards the repatriation of the displaced Syrians.
“Pompeo’s remarks about the displaced before the US Congress is an advanced move proving that bold dialogue and clear national positions are the closest way to achieve national interest," said Bassil on Twitter.
“Our battle in defense of existence is long and hard, but our will is stronger and firmer. Repatriation of refugees will be achieved, and we won’t accept it to be other than safe and dignified,” he added.
Official sources in Beirut have reportedly received a diplomatic report stating that Pompeo, following his visit to Lebanon, spoke to the US House of Representatives subcommittee on aid funding to the Syrian refugees and their return.
Pompeo was quoted as saying: “In Lebanon there are 1.5 million Syrian refugees with all the burden they have on the country in terms of cost and the dangers posed by their presence on Lebanon and its democracy.
“The US State Department was leading discussions on how to prepare the right conditions on the ground inside Syria so that these refugees can return to their homes. This is the specific task that the Lebanese people want. I honestly believe that the return of these individuals is the best for them. We have to make sure that the conditions are appropriate for their return, which the US State Department will be in the front lines to achieve,” Pompeo said.
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