Lebanon: We refuse to grant Palestinian refugees citizenship

Lebanese President Michel Suleiman repeated his refusal to grant Palestinian refugees Lebanese citizenship as part of any agreement between Palestinians and Israeli.

Speaking during a diplomatic conference held in the Baabda Palace this morning, Suleiman went on to assure attendees that he remains committed to the Arab initiative for peace.

Suleiman continued: “The international community must take responsibility for the crisis in Syria and, in particular, in regards to the refugees.”

He added: “We are invited to take firm decisions to control the displacement of Syrians”, stressing that, “Syria, Iran and all the Gulf States must work towards neutralising Lebanon from the Syrian crisis.”

Lebanese Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil also warned against granting Palestinian refugees Lebanese citizenship, as well as against attempts to settle displaced Syrians.

Speaking at a workshop on diplomatic emigrants held in Beirut yesterday, Bassil warned against “attempting to grant citizenship to 4,000 Palestinian refugees and settling 1.5 million displaced Syrians”.

Alamat Online May 2, 2014