Miqati, Jumblat Continue to Disagree on Deportations but Vow Resolving Differences through Dialogue

Prime Minister Najib Miqati held on to his stance of deporting Syrian criminals to preserve Lebanese security despite severe criticism by Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblat who reiterated that Lebanese authorities should refrain from sending back any Syrian in the current circumstances.

“Do they want security deterioration in the country?” Miqati asked about the officials who criticized him for supporting the decision of the General Security to deport 14 Syrians after they served their sentences in Lebanon in accordance with a judicial agreement signed between the two countries in 1951.

“Those who were deported were posing a threat to the daily security of the Lebanese citizens,” he stressed despite claims that the men could be persecuted or subjected to torture.

Miqati said Friday that the humanitarian situation of the Syrian refugees must not become an obstacle to the implementation of judicial verdicts against people convicted of crimes that have nothing to do with politics.

Asked about Jumblat’s criticism, the premier said the PSP leader hadn’t read all his statement which balances between the law and stability on one side and the respect for human rights on the other.

But in remarks to As Safir, Jumblat said he was still not convinced by the excuses of the General Security to deport the Syrians.

“I am against the deportation of any Syrian in these circumstances whether he was a criminal or a political activist or a simple citizen,” he said.

Syria is living a tragedy and “I don’t think it is the appropriate time for us to implement agreements” signed between the two countries, Jumblat told the newspaper.

Asked about his differences of opinion with Miqati, he said: “Any differences between us would be resolved through direct dialogue and I am keen on my ties with PM Miqati.”

His comment came a day after media reports said that the PSP chief had relayed a strong message to Miqati over the deportations. But Jumblat’s party denied the reports.