Hariri: Int'l Community Liable for Worsening Conditions of Palestinian Refugees
Prime Minister Saad Hariri shoved aside exaggerations on the number of Palestinian refugees residing in Lebanon, announcing that only 174,422 live on Lebanese soil as he blamed their deteriorating conditions worldwide to the international community's inaction.
Hariri's remarks came at the Comprehensive Census of Population and Housing in Palestinian Camps and Gatherings in Lebanon, a project of the Lebanese-Palestinian Dialogue Committee at the Grand Serail.
“The figures of this comprehensive census in the camps and Palestinian gatherings in Lebanon paint a clear and honest picture of the reality of the situation of refugees and contribute to the formulation of projects and management plans,” said Hariri.
The Prime Minister pointed to “exaggerations” as for the number of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon which estimated the count at 600,000. He said the “actual number is 174,422,” assuring that the State adheres to its responsibilities.
“Our goal must be clear and that is to fight the abolition of the UNRWA and to support it. The reason for the situation of Palestinians today is because of the international community's failure to resolve the crisis. If the international community wants to stop spending money on refugees, what should we say to this community and how do we believe in it?” Hariri asked.
The PM stressed that Lebanon will not evade its duties, as he rejected resettlement or any form of action that strips Palestinians from their right to return to their homeland.
"Lebanon believes the international, Arab and United Nations organizations have a responsibility to address these situations," he said.
Pointing to the UNRWA's financial crisis, he said: “It directly affects the basic requirements of refugees in Lebanon. We call upon donor countries to increase their contributions and support to enable UNRWA fulfill its obligations to meet the needs of refugees and ensure a just solution to their cause in accordance with international resolutions.”
Hariri lamented how “some parties in the international community wish to offer no help but instead want to disrupt and offset the UNRWA.”
Source: Naharnet
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