Germany stresses support as Lebanon faces Syrian refugee challenge

Visiting German Foreign Affairs Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier noted on Friday the huge burden Lebanon is enduring due to the issue of Syrian refugees, stressing the necessity to support Lebanon.

In a joint press conference with his Lebanese counterpart Gebran Bassil, Steinmeir said "we are aware of the heavy burden Lebanon is enduring with the Syrian refugees and you should know that Germany will not abandon it."

"Germany is presenting around a billion euros in aid to Syrian refugees and the countries sheltering them," he added.

According to the United Nations Higher Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), there are now around 1.2 million Syrian refugees in Lebanon. Their presence is creating a major strain on the country's infrastructure.

In January, the Lebanese government imposed visa regulations on Syrian seeking to enter to the country, in a move to curb the inflow of the refugees.

Social Affairs Minister Rashid Derbas accused the United Nations of stalling in providing Lebanon with aid for the refugees.

In March, International donors had pledged 3.8 billion U.S. dollars at a UN-backed conference held in Kuwait.

Bassil for his part stressed that "stability in Lebanon lies in lowering the number of Syrian refugees, backing the army, and holding presidential and parliamentary elections."

"We demand support for the Lebanese army, which is playing a central role in confronting terrorism" added Bassil pointing that "Lebanon is harboring over a million refugees and the international community has not lifted a finger to help it."

Bassil thanked Germany for all its support and development aid to Lebanon, noting that "it is one of the few countries that have respected their vows to Lebanon."

The large flow of refugees should be confronted with a plan that would ensure their return to their homeland, explained Bassil.

"I fear for Europe in that it has not yet realized the dangers of the refugees and of terrorism," he cautioned. Endit