Italian FM says expects diplomatic solution to Syrian crisis
Xinhua, October 8, 2016 Adjust font size:
Visiting Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni hoped that a diplomatic solution will soon be found to the Syrian crisis, the National News Agency (NNA) reported Friday.
According to the report, Gentiloni held talks with his Lebanese counterpart Gebran Bassil, noting what Lebanon is proposing regarding the return of refugees to their country remains something difficult in the foreseeable future.
"We tackled the current challenges that are facing our countries, especially the heavy influx of migrants and refugees and the proliferation of criminal and terrorist organization," Bassil said after the talks.
He reiterated the Lebanese stance that calls for the safe return of Syrian refugees to their country.
Meanwhile, Bassil called on the international community to "back the will of the Lebanese people through respecting their endorsement of a legitimate leadership, which would make Lebanon a strong and real partner in fighting terror and a model for democracy and human rights."
Lebanon has been without a president since the term of former President Michel Suleiman ended in May 2014. Hezbollah, Aoun's Change and Reform bloc and some of their allies have been boycotting the parliament's electoral sessions, and stripping them of the needed quorum. Endit