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(Recast) ICRC hails Lebanon's support for Syrian refugees

Xinhua, January 15, 2015 Adjust font size:

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) hailed on Wednesday Lebanon's efforts to support the Syrian refugees in its territories.

The ICRC appreciates the Lebanese government's efforts to cope with such a huge influx of the Syrian refugees despite limited resources, Peter Maurer, ICRC president, said in a statement as he wrapped up his two-day visit to the country.

"We trust that, despite new regulations on the entry into Lebanon from Syria and the rising tensions, humanitarian cases will not face any hindrance as a result," he added.

As of January, Beirut has begun to introduce a new set of measures for the Syrian nationals seeking to get into the country through border checkpoints.

According to the new measures, the Syrians are required to have documents explaining their purposes to cross the border.

Meanwhile, Lebanon's labor ministry only allow the Syrian nationals to work in building, cleaning and agricultural sectors.

According to the latest UN Higher Commission for Refugees report, there are more than 1.2 million Syrian displaced in Lebanon, equaling approximately one quarter of the country's population.

During the visit, Maurer met with many of Lebanon's top leaders, including Prime Minister Tammam Salam and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. Endit