Lebanese Justice minister hails ties with Kuwait

Visiting Lebanese Minister of Justice Gen. Ashraf Rifi affirmed Tuesday on the deep rooted relations between Kuwait and Lebanon, hailing as well his earlier meeting with His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and the country's political leadership. Marking his visit, Rifi said in a press conference that there were three agreements signed with Kuwait Ministry of Justice since the 60s that need updates, noting that work started on such issue in the past four years but recent developments in the region delayed the process. The minister added there has been agreement with the Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs and Acting Minister of Justice Sheikh Mohammad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah to accelerate the pace of updating these agreements in accordance with requirements of current conditions. The Lebanese minister called on Kuwaiti citizens to visit Lebanon, stressing that the security situation currently allows such visit without fear, adding the situation after formation of a new government has become more stable and secure. In response to a question about Syrian refugees in Lebanon, the minister said "they are our brothers and have the right for shelter," adding that the number of Syrian refugees significantly larger than the population of Lebanon, "more than 27 percent of the number of population of Lebanon." The minister said that currently "the government formed a ministerial committee which includes a number of ministers to find a solution to the crisis within our capabilities and possibilities." Rifi also revealed that the idea of a Syrian refugee camps sponsored by the United Nations has become a viable idea on the table, stressing need to ensure protection and safety for them. Source: KUNA