Lebanon can no longer 'bear' refugee 'burden'

A ministerial committee on Syrian refugees said Friday that Lebanon cannot "bear this burden" anymore.

The ministers convened at the grand Serail in a session chaired by Prime Minister Najib Miqati.

Labor Minister Mustafa Bayram of Hizbullah urged the United Nations and the UNHCR to shoulder their responsibility as "Lebanon can no longer bear this burden on its own, without any assistance."

Bayram said that non-Lebanese are receiving, unlike the Lebanese, cash assistance in fresh dollars, and aid for education, rent, hospitalization and heating.

"The situation has become unbearable," Bayram said.

Social Affairs Minister hector Hajjar also said the situation is "critical" and "very difficult," describing it as a "disaster."

He added that he will brief the UNHCR on the committee's decisions.