Lebanon calls for EU cooperation on Syrian refugees’ return

Lebanon has called on the European Union to cooperate on a roadmap for the gradual return of Syrian refugees to their country.

“Lebanon is going through an unprecedented economic and social crisis in its modern history, under which 80% of the Lebanese are living under poverty line,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The ministry cited the presence of Syrian refugees as a “main reason” of the Lebanese economic crisis.

“Lebanon and the EU have a common interest in finding a sustainable solution to the Syrian displacement issue, which protects Lebanon socially, economically and on a security level, in addition to preemptively protecting European countries from the consequences of any possible deterioration,” the ministry said.

“Lebanon calls for cooperation, consultation and dialogue to lay down a roadmap that would allow the gradual dignified and safe return of displaced Syrians to their homeland,” the statement added.