Lebanese President Michel Aoun warned on Monday that the presence of Syrian refugees in Lebanon represented a real danger.
During a meeting on Monday with a delegation from the European Parliament for Relations with the Arab Mashreq countries led by Marisa Mattias, and in the presence of European Union Ambassador to Lebanon Christina Lassen, Aoun underlined the need for a political solution to the Syrian crisis, but noted that “this solution does not seem imminent and Lebanon can no longer tolerate the simmering refugee situation.”
He briefed the European Parliament delegation on the political situation that followed his election as president and the steps that have been taken to stabilize security in the country and regularize the work of institutions.
In response to questions by members of the European parliamentary delegation, Aoun stressed that Lebanon was living in secure and stable conditions “because the Lebanese people have prioritized their country’s interest above all other considerations, despite political differences of the democratic parliamentary system in Lebanon.”
The president also said he hoped the parliamentary elections in May would come out with a new parliament.
He also called on the European Union to support Beirut’s request that Lebanon become a UN-recognized international center for dialogue of civilizations, cultures and religions.
“We will spare no effort to meet challenges and help Lebanon,” Mattias said, hailing Aoun’s efforts to achieve stability, adopt a new electoral law and liberate Lebanese territories from terrorist groups.
