Al-Rahi: Lebanon Rejects Voluntary Return of Syrian Refugees to Homeland

Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi highlighted on Tuesday the impact the Syrian refugee crisis is having on Lebanon on the economic, security, political, and social levels.

He said during his ongoing trip to Paris: “Lebanon rejects the voluntary return of the Syrian refugees to their homeland.”

“It will not waver in its demand that Palestinian refugees return to their home,” he stated during the second day of his pastoral visit to France.

He stressed the need to end wars and resolve conflicts peacefully and politically.

“Lebanon distinguishes itself from its surroundings through the coexistence between Christians and Muslims, making it an oasis of dialogue between cultures and religions.”

“The international community should therefore exert efforts to keep Lebanon neutral from conflicts and preserve its message in the Middle East,” declared al-Rahi.

The patriarch had held talks on Monday with French President Francois Hollande, with discussions focusing on the presidential deadlock and refugee crisis.