Derbas Calls for Unity against Terrorism, Says Lebanon Cannot Bear More Refugees

Social Affairs Minister Rashid Derbas stressed on Sunday that Lebanon can no longer welcome any new Syrian refugees on its territories, calling for further unity among the Lebanese to face terrorists.

“The country is filled to capacity and we cannot contain more refugees,” Derbas said in comments published in the Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Siyassah.

He called on donor countries to meet its obligations and help the government to carry out its role in resolving the repercussions of the Syrian influx “that exceeded all limits.”

There are already more than 1.5 million Syrian refugees in Lebanon, which has a population of just four million people.

Many are already living in informal tented settlements on farmland or empty fields in parts of the country.

The refugee influx has put massive pressure on the country's limited resources and contributed to rising tensions in a nation with a delicate sectarian balance and bitter memories from a 15-year civil war.

The conflict in Syria has regularly spilled over into Lebanon, with the border region often particularly volatile.

The Lebanese army is battling jihadists from Syria in northeastern Lebanon which has sparked a backlash against Syrian refugees.

Derbas also lashed out at assailants attacking the Lebanese army, considering that they “don't represent any sect.

He called on the Lebanese to be wary and united, denying that there is a any region harboring terrorism.

“We are staunch supporters of the army in its battle against terrorist,” the minister noted, reiterating calls for the election of a new head of state.

The conflict in Syria has regularly spilled over into Lebanon, with the border region often particularly volatile.

The Lebanese army is battling jihadists from Syria in northeastern Lebanon which has sparked a backlash against Syrian refugees and attacks against military posts.