Bassil calls for protests, diplomatic action against EU refugee decision

Free Patriotic Movement chief Jebran Bassil called Friday on Lebanese authorities to take diplomatic measures against a decision by the European parliament to keep Syrian refugees in Lebanon.

"It is Lebanon fault," Bassil said as he accused Lebanese officials of "negligence".

Two days ago, the European Parliament voted overwhelmingly in favor of a resolution supporting the continued presence of Syrian refugees in Lebanon.

"Conditions are not met for the voluntary, dignified return of refugees in conflict-prone areas in Syria," the European Parliament's resolution text said.

"I urge the Foreign Ministry to take diplomatic measures immediately," Bassil said. "I also urge parliament to respond with a clear decision that would bind the government to start organizing a safe and dignified repatriation."

Bassil also called for a peaceful protest that would press for that.

Many other politicians had condemned the EU resolution, including the minister of the displaced and MPs from different Lebanese parties.

MP Faisal Karameh, Amal MP Qassem Hashem, Democratic Gathering bloc MP Bilal Abdallah, Free Patriotic Movement MP Simon Abi Ramia and former MP Amal Abou Zeid, considered the decision as an interference in national affairs.

The Lebanese Forces also condemned it. "Lebanon can no longer bear the refugee burden," the LF said in a statement.