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UNHCR Supports 'Voluntary' Return of Refugees, MOFA Says the Move is 'Insufficient'

A Syrian refugee receives aid from the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) in Batroun, northern Lebanon January 13, 2015. REUTERS/Omar Ibrahim/File Photo
A Syrian refugee receives aid from the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) in Batroun, northern Lebanon January 13, 2015. REUTERS/Omar Ibrahim/File Photo
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UNHCR Supports 'Voluntary' Return of Refugees, MOFA Says the Move is 'Insufficient'

A Syrian refugee receives aid from the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) in Batroun, northern Lebanon January 13, 2015. REUTERS/Omar Ibrahim/File Photo
A Syrian refugee receives aid from the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) in Batroun, northern Lebanon January 13, 2015. REUTERS/Omar Ibrahim/File Photo

The Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs received a reply from the UNHCR on a letter it had sent to it asking it to change its approach to the issue of the Syrian refugees and to work out a plan for their return to safe areas inside Syria.

Hadi al-Hashem, director of the office of Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the UNHCR has “confirmed its support to the voluntary return of displaced people and would not stand against the Syrians’ choice.”

He added that the agency expressed its readiness to hold meetings with the relevant Lebanese ministries to discuss this issue, and approved the Lebanese proposal to separate between refugees and non-refugees according to their situation.

The official noted that meetings between the UNHCR and the Lebanese side would be held soon, saying that the change of tone by the UN agency was “positive but not enough to suspend the measures taken by the ministry against it.”

“We expect them to draw up a clear and serious plan for return, especially since UNHCR is still not encouraging the refugees to return to their homeland,” he added.

Earlier this month, Bassil announced a decision to stop receiving applications for residency of foreign workers in UNHCR in protest of its policy towards the return of refugees.

Bassil accused the UN agency of discouraging refugees to return to Syria. The United Nations rejected the claim, stressing that its work was limited to the humanitarian aspect only and underlining its respect to the individual decisions taken by the Syrians with respect to their return to their country.

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Sudani: Syrian President’s Presence at Baghdad Summit Important for All

Photo showing Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad (right), Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, and Syrian President Ahmed al-Shaara (INA)
Photo showing Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad (right), Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, and Syrian President Ahmed al-Shaara (INA)
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Sudani: Syrian President’s Presence at Baghdad Summit Important for All

Photo showing Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad (right), Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, and Syrian President Ahmed al-Shaara (INA)
Photo showing Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad (right), Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, and Syrian President Ahmed al-Shaara (INA)

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani has stressed the importance of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s participation in the upcoming Arab League summit, calling it a key step toward announcing a “new vision” for Syria.

Baghdad will host the 34th Arab League Summit on May 17, amid converging views over al-Sharaa’s invitation. Speaking in an interview with US journalist Tim Constantine, Sudani said the summit represents more than a ceremonial gathering.

“Iraq is not just a host - we’re taking the initiative to offer solutions to the region’s crises,” he said.

Sudani described his invitation to al-Sharaa as in line with the Arab League’s established protocol.

“Regardless of the political dynamics or nature of the transition in Syria, al-Sharaa is the official representative of the Syrian state. His presence is crucial to express Syria’s perspective on its future,” he stated.

“Syria is a cornerstone for Arab security and stability,” he added. “We are committed to supporting its recovery, political stability, and reconstruction.”

While some factions in Iraq’s Coordination Framework political alliance initially objected to al-Sharaa’s invitation - especially after Sudani met him in Doha in the presence of Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad - opposition appears to be softening. The alliance has since declared its support for the summit, stating that attendance by Arab leaders is a government matter.

With just weeks until the summit, Sudani sought to shift international perceptions of Iraq. “Iraq is not a war zone,” he said. “The situation on the ground is far more stable - people in Baghdad are out late at night, and over $88 billion in investment has flowed in, including a major oil deal with British Petroleum in Kirkuk.”

He further pointed that tourism, too, was on the rise.

“I’ve seen visitors at historic sites like Hatra near the Syrian border and in Ur, a pilgrimage site for Christians. This is not the Iraq often portrayed in the media,” he noted.

However, Sudani acknowledged the challenges ahead. “The government’s biggest task is to restore public trust in state institutions after two decades of setbacks and widespread corruption.”

On US-Iraq relations, Sudani stressed that ties extend beyond security. “We have strong economic partnerships with major American firms, and we import $4 billion worth of US vehicles. Recent tariff changes under President Trump affect us indirectly through third-party countries.”