UN Denies Intention To Keep Syrian Refugees In Lebanon

The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Lebanon Ross Mountain said Thursday that the UN does not intend to keep Syrian refugees in Lebanon.
"There is no intention by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) or the United Nations, or any other party to naturalize people here," Mountain told local media.
He added "we are aware of the sensitive situation in that regard. Lebanon is hosting the highest number of refugees."
However, he stressed "despite everything, Lebanon is immune."
On Tuesday, Foreign Affairs Minister Jebran Bassil accused the UNHCR of sparking a rise in the number of Syrian refugees in Lebanon, saying that "some of its practices could lead to the naturalization of newborn Syrians."
"The number of displaced Syrians began to rise again last April because of the UNHCR, despite a decision to restrict the entry of Syrians last October," Bassil added.
Mountain also pointed to the tense political situation currently in Lebanon and hailed the efforts of Prime Minister Tammam Salam to contain the situation.
He said "the political situation seems today more complicated than it was when I assumed my responsibilities in the late nineties. There is a concern over the absence of a president and huge pressure on Prime Minister Tammam Salam."
Lebanon has been without a President since May 2014 when the six-year term of former President Michel Suleiman ended and the parliament failed 26 consecutive time to elect a new President. (Cihan/Xinhua)