Abu Faour: Number of Syrians seeking refuge has surpassed expectations

In his delivered word at the Arab Foreign Ministers' meeting held at the Arab League headquarters in Cairo on Sunday, Social Affairs Minister, Wael Abu Faour, shed light on the issue of Syrians seeking refuge in Lebanon. Abu Faour stressed that the Lebanese stand vis-à-vis events in Syria is committed to a self-distancing policy; however, said policy does not apply to Syrian citizens seeking shelter on Lebanese territories away from the Syrian crisis. Hence, Abu Faour stressed on providing said refugees with protection; pointing herein to a unanimous Lebanese agreement over refraining from closing borders in the face of any Syrian family wishing to escape from shelling and destruction in Syria. He added that the Lebanese are also in agreement that extraditing Syrians who have entered Lebanese territories, thus far, is not proposed for discussion. Nevertheless, Abu Faour disclosed that the number of Syrians seeking refuge in Lebanon is increasing; adding that Lebanon has no camps to encompass such a rising number. He noted that Syrians seeking shelter in Lebanon are currently staying either with Lebanese families or in schools. Moreover, he indicated that the number of refugees is expected to increase to 40,000 per monthly; thus, creating economic, social and security pressures on the Lebanese State. "The situation calls for worry since the number of refugees has surpassed the expected," added Abu Faour. Consequently, the Lebanese government's plan that was designed to cater to 200 thousand refugees can no longer cope with such an increasing number, noted Abu Faour. He added that Lebanon is also committed to aiding Palestinian refugees coming from Syria, as well. Abu Faour hoped that Arab brethrens would stand besides Lebanon in this case, and extend the necessary aids to enable the Lebanese State to cope with such a responsibility!