Ibrahim Reviews Naturalization Decree, 'Decision in Political Authority’s Hands'

General Security chief Maj. Gen. Abbas Ibrahim said the Directorate has completed the task entrusted to it regarding a controversial naturalization decree review, as he noted that a new batch of Syrian refugees will be returning to Syria on Thursday.

“We have completed the task entrusted to us regarding the citizenship decree,” he said pointing out that the political authority will have to decide on the next step.

“I don’t think the report will be submitted to the State Shura Council,” added Ibrahim. He refused to tell the names included the report and upon which reservations were made as for a right to be granted the Lebanese nationality.

Early in June, President Michel Aoun’s office submitted the names of individuals included in a controversial naturalization decree to the General Security agency to verify they all have "the right" to become Lebanese.

The decree was reportedly issued on May 11 after being signed by Aoun, but news of its existence only emerged late after that when dozens of names allegedly included in the edict were leaked to the media.

Lebanese media reported it has included as many as 300 people, including businessmen known to be close to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

It prompted a wave of public outrage, with Lebanese officials scrambling to defend themselves or defect blame.

On the crisis of Syrian refugees in Lebanon, Ibrahim noted that around “400 displaced will leave the northeastern town of Arsal and head back to Syria on Thursday.”