BOU SAAB DISCUSSES SYRIAN REFUGEE CRISIS, SOUTHERN LEBANON SITUATION WITH UN SPECIAL COORDINATOR

Deputy House Speaker, Elias Bou Saab, on Thursday welcomed UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Antoinette Hennis-Plasschaert. Discussions primarily focused on the Syrian refugee crisis, with Bou Saab urging the UN to find a swift and serious solution. He emphasized shifting the terminology from "refugees" to "illegal migrants," stating, "It is no longer appropriate to classify them as refugees." The meeting also addressed the situation in Southern Lebanon, where Hennis-Plasschaert highlighted her recent visit and upcoming trip to Israel to assess perspectives from both sides. Bou Saab warned against escalation, asserting, "War serves no one's interests; it will be painful and costly for Lebanon." He stressed the preference for diplomatic resolutions, citing US mediator Amos Hochstein's potential role in achieving peace. "Israel must understand that war will not bring positive outcomes but rather prolonged suffering and economic strain. Diplomatic negotiations, not bloodshed, must pave the way forw ard,' Bou Saab concluded. Source: National news agency - Lebanon