Bou Habib urges UNHCR to Intensify efforts for safe return of Syrian refugees

Caretaker Foreign Minister, Abdullah Bou Habib, on Friday met with UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner for Protection, Ruvendrini Menikdiwela, and a delegation from the agency to discuss solutions to the Syrian refugee crisis. Bou Habib reiterated Lebanon's position, stressing the need for the 'safe and dignified return' of Syrian refugees and called on UNHCR to enhance communication with the Syrian government. In turn, Menikdiwela noted a 'positive shift' in Syria's handling of refugee matters, indicating that 30,000 Syrian refugees are expected to voluntarily return from Lebanon in the coming months. For his part, Bou Habib encouraged the continuation of this process, emphasizing that many areas in Syria are now safe for return. Bou Habib separately met with French Ambassador to Lebanon, Hervé Magro, with whom he discussed the situation in southern Lebanon and France's efforts to de-escalate regional tensions. Bou Habib expressed gratitude for France's role in the UNIFIL mandate extension and urged a re evaluation of Europe's approach to the Syrian refugee issue. He also briefed Magro on recent Arab League ministerial meetings in Cairo. Source: National news agency - Lebanon