Miqati Voices Disappointment with Int'l Community's Failure to Address Syrian Refugee Needs

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Miqati stressed on Thursday that Lebanon has not delayed in meeting the humanitarian needs of the Syrian refugees, but expressed his disappointment in the international community's dealing with the issue.

He said: “Lebanon is disappointed with the international community for ignoring the humanitarian needs of the refugees.”

“It has not taken the necessary measures given the limited means of the Lebanese state,” he remarked after holding talks with United Nations Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Valerie Amos at the Grand Serail.

She said that the U.N. and all of its partners are working on supporting the Syrian refugees and the Lebanese government.

She added that the U.N. has devised a plan to address the refugee needs during the winter months, while thanking the Lebanese government and people for their generosity in supporting Syrian and Palestinian refugees.

Amos reiterated the U.N.'s stance after holding talks with President Michel Suleiman at the Baabda Palace later on Thursday.

The U.N. will continue to support Lebanon on the short and long terms, she stressed.

It will also back it on the political and economic levels, as well as support the army and help the Syrian refugees, she added.

More than 835,000 Syrian refugees are registered in Lebanon, although the real number is thought to total more than one million.

Thousands live in makeshift camps, in shelters made of little more than plastic sheeting nailed to wooden frames.

Others are living in unfinished buildings with only slightly more protection from the elements in cities including Beirut.