Arslan: International Resolutions Pave Way for Naturalization of Refugees

State Minister of the Displaced Talal Arslan emphasized that displaced Syrians is one of the serious challenges that Lebanon has to face, and emphasized that international decisions in that regard could pave the way for their naturalization, al-Joumhouria daily reported on Wednesday.

“The crisis of displaced Syrians is one of the challenges emanating from the Syrian war. It is our duty to understand the suffering of our Syrian brothers and their agony as the result of the terror war machine, but Lebanon's potentials are much lower than it can endure at the demographic and economic levels,” said Arslan.

“I have previously stated that I reject to formulate any Security Council resolution related to the displacement of Syrians so the issue won't become legitimate and turn into a documented asylum, which paves way for naturalization,” added the Minister.

“Lebanon's Constitution has stated a rejection of naturalization...This will not happen.”

“Everyone's contribution is more than necessary, so as to support Lebanon. The number of displaced people has become equivalent to more than one third of the Lebanese population which constitutes a threat to the socio-economic balance,” warned Arslan.

He concluded saying: “The displacement Syrians (to Lebanon) was optional compared to the involuntary Palestinian asylum. Displaced Syrians could have chosen safe regions inside Syria to flee to, which some of them have done.”

Lebanon hosts more than one million Syrians who have sought refuge in Lebanon from the devastating conflict in their homeland that has killed more than 310,000 people.

Another half a million undocumented Syrians also live in Lebanon.