President of the Republic Joseph Aoun met with UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, at Baabda Palace.
The President called for the swift return of Syrian refugees to their homeland and stressed that with the conditions that caused their displacement largely resolved, it was time for the refugees to return to Syria.
Aoun urged Grandi to begin organizing the repatriation process and called on the international community to provide both financial and humanitarian support to facilitate their return.
The President also highlighted that some countries have already initiated the return of Syrian refugees.
The meeting, attended by senior UNHCR officials including Shahrzad Tadjbakhsh (Director of the UNHCR's Geneva Office), Rima Jamous (Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa), and other key representatives, began with Grandi congratulating Aoun on his election and praising his leadership, especially in his previous role as head of Lebanon’s military.
Grandi noted that more than 200,000 Syrian refugees had returned to their country since December 8, 2024, following political shifts in Syria, and projected that the number would increase significantly in the coming weeks.
Grandi further emphasized that while the Syrian government has welcomed the return of refugees, the process must be gradual to avoid exacerbating existing challenges within Syria.
In turn, Aoun reiterated Lebanon’s position, underlining that the primary objective is the return of refugees to Syria. The President pointed out that Lebanon could no longer bear the immense burden the refugee crisis places on the country at various levels.
While some refugees have already returned following recent developments in Syria, Aoun noted that new arrivals continue to enter Lebanon.
In addition to his meeting with Grandi, President Aoun also received a delegation from the Lebanese Red Cross, led by Dr. Antoine Zoghbi, who congratulated the president on his election and expressed the Red Cross’s ongoing support for Aoun's leadership.
Zoghbi emphasized the importance of the Lebanese Red Cross’s role in providing humanitarian aid, particularly in times of conflict and natural disaster.
In turn, Aoun thanked the delegation for their dedication and sacrifices, recognizing the crucial role of the organization’s volunteers and calling for all state institutions to follow the Red Cross’s example of selfless service.
Aoun later met with MP Melhem Riachy, with whom he discussed Lebanon’s current political and security situation, particularly in light of recent developments in the region.
Discussions also focused on strategies to address Lebanon’s ongoing challenges and ensure stability.
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