EU to focus on Syrian refugees coming to Lebanon

A European Diplomat revealed to "Arabstoday" that the EU is looking to enhance its role in Lebanon in regard to the refugee crisis that arises from the Syrian unrest and attempt to meet the humanitarian needs. Following a meeting with Ambassador Angelina Eichhorst, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Lebanon and, General Ibrahim Bachir, the Secretary General of the High Relief Commission (HRC). Eichhorst congratulated General Bachir for his recent nomination and for the work done by the HRC in providing relief to the Syrian displaced in northern Lebanon. The discussion focused on the measures being jointly undertaken by the HRC and United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) to address the humanitarian needs of people crossing from Syria into Northern Lebanon and on the necessity for adequate contingency planning. Lebanon should take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and protection of Lebanese citizens, foreigners and displaced in Lebanon. Mrs. Eichhorst also focused on   the importance of finalizing the memorandum of understanding between the Lebanese authorities and UNHCR to better guarantee the rights of refugees and asylum seekers in Lebanon. This would also allow for stronger EU support to Lebanon in this regard. Eichhorst and General Bachir discussed the need for Lebanon to step up the institutionalization of an emergency response structure to deal with natural and man-made disasters. Mrs. Eichhorst confirmed the European Union's willingness to further support Lebanon on crisis prevention, preparedness and response, following the positive experience of the National Response Plan for CBRN-related events as chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear origin, developed under an EU-funded project by an inter-institutional Committee chaired by the Lebanese Armed Forces.