Geagea Rejects Bids to Integrate Displaced Syrians in Lebanon

Lebanese Forces chief Samir Geagea on Tuesday categorically rejected any bid to integrate the Syrian refugees in Lebanon, as the international community reportedly plans to adopt a policy that integrates them in host countries.

“Lebanon is not an empty land without people. Any thought or step towards keeping the Syrian refugees in Lebanon, even temporarily, is totally rejected,” said Geagea.

“Lebanon has welcomed the refugees because of the tragedy they are suffering in Syria, but that does not mean we will relinquish our national sovereignty or our peoples’ rights to their own land and natural resources,” added Geagea.

“The first task before the new government is to set a clear plan for the refugees’ return to safe zones in Syria,” added Geagea.

Lebanon hosts around one million Syrians -- one in four of the Lebanese population. The Lebanese government says as many as 1.5 million Syrians are in the country.