The return of Syrian refugees to their homeland is subject to political bickering, as some political forces support coordination with the Syrian regime for this purpose, while others totally reject any communication with Syria and consider that the file should be managed by the United Nations.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah and the Free Patriotic Movement continue their work to ensure the return of small groups of refugees, in preparation for the return of large batches after the formation of the government and the agreement on a national plan to overcome the refugee crisis.
Sources revealed that Hezbollah, which started about five days ago to fill out forms for those wishing to return to Syria, was preparing for to return the first batch soon. The sources told Asharq Al-Awsa: “We can talk about a good movement, and most of those who register their names are displaced people living in the capital Beirut, and they will soon leave via Masnaa.”
Meanwhile, around 1,200 displaced people living in the town of Arsal in the eastern border of Lebanon will leave on Monday to their villages and towns in the western Qalamoun. Mayor Bassel Al-Hujairi told Asharq Al-Awsat that those were part of the 3,000 who have already registered. About a thousand refugees have left in the last two weeks in two batches. The return process is made in coordination between Syria and Lebanon through the Lebanese General Security.
While Hezbollah is coordinating with the regime in Syria to secure the return requirements, the Free Patriotic Movement’s action in this field is confined to registering the names of the Syrian refugees who wish to return and submit them to the Lebanese General Security.
FPM President and Foreign Minister in the caretaker government Gebran Bassil announced on July 12 the establishment of a central committee for the return of displaced Syrians to their countries.
Adviser to the Minister for Foreign Affairs for the Displaced Dr. Ola Boutros said that the main objective of this committee was to create a link between the displaced and the Lebanese State with the absence of a unified governmental policy, especially after recent university studies showed that 96% of the displaced Syrians in Lebanon wanted to return to their homeland.
