Eichhorst Advises Lebanon to Prepare for More Refugee Influx, Lauds Government Plan

European Union Ambassador to Lebanon Angelina Eichhorst expressed on Saturday her “understanding” of Lebanon's rejection to set up camps for refugees escaping the violence in Syria.

Eichhorst told An Nahar daily that she “understood the stance of the government to reject the establishment of camps” but stressed “the importance of preparing for the possible influx of more refugees.”

The diplomat also hailed a decision by the government not to close the border with Syria and reiterated that Europe has so far provided 43 million euros as assistance to the refugees.

According to An Nahar, the EU will respond to Lebanon's call for implementing pledges for aid.

During a session held at Baabda palace on Thursday, the cabinet approved a plan which urges donor countries to implement their pledges to extend aid to Lebanon.

The plan calls for urging the Arab League and international organizations to hold extraordinary meetings to highlight the situation of the refugees and for friendly countries to share with Lebanon the burden of the funding.

Among the measures included in the plan are the registration of all the refugees to ensure that they receive aid.

The cabinet also tasked Interior Minister Marwan Charbel with forming a cell with the Lebanese Army, the Internal Security Forces, General Security and State Security to come up with a security plan that follows up the conditions of refugees.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees says 170,637 Syrian refugees have been registered in Lebanon while reports say that around 50,000 are still not registered.