Salam: Lebanon Adheres to Dissociation, Aid to Refugees Below Par
Prime Minister Tammam Salam stated on Wednesday that Lebanon is carrying the burden of some 1.5 million Syrian refugees with limited help from donor countries, assuring that Lebanon adheres to the dissociation policy towards Syria.
“In Lebanon, we suffer from the presence of about 1.5 million displaced Syrians, a burden unparalleled by any other in the world compared to the small size of our country,” said Salam during the Arab-South American summit in Riyadh.
“Lebanon is facing this challenge with limited potentials and the assistance of aid donors that unfortunately do not live up to the desired level,” he added.
On Lebanon's policy towards the developments in Syria, the Premier said: “The Lebanese government has committed, and still does, to the policy of dissociation towards the developments in Syria. We believe that the solution to the crisis lies in a political settlement to put an end to the bloodshed.
“We declare support for the diplomatic efforts of the parties concerned with the Syrian crisis. We hope that the Vienna talks open way for a solution to restore peace to Syria.”
Salam highlighted Lebanon's political crisis as the result of vacuum at the top state post, saying: “You all know that Lebanon is passing through a sharp political crisis as the result of the presidential vacuum. We hope that the political forces are able to agree on a president to put an end to the disorder at the constitutional institutions.”
“However, we reiterate that the crisis did not reflect on the security situation because of the sacrifices of the army against terrorism,” added the premier.
Lebanon has been without a president since the term of President Michel Suleiman ended in May 2014.
The rival political camps have failed so far to agree on a consensual successor.
Moreover, Salam extended gratitude to Saudi Arabia, saying: “I hereby thank Saudi Arabia which made significant contribution in helping to establish security and stability in our country thanks to the aid provided to the army and security forces.”
Later during the day, the Prime Minister met with al-Mustaqbal Movement chief MP Saad Hariri in the presence of Defense Minister Samir Moqbel, Health Minister Wael Abou Faour.
Hariri later threw a luncheon banquet in Salam's honor in Riyadh.
At noon, al-Mustaqbal Movement chief MP Saad Hariri threw a luncheon banquet in Salam's honor in Riyadh.
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Source: Naharnet
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