Lebanon 'will not close door on Syrians'

Caretaker Prime Minister of Government of Lebanon Najib Mikati has said his country will not close its doors on Syrian refugees and the issue of displaced people is well under state control at all levels. In a statement today, Mikati said the number of Syrian refugees is increasing continuously. "We now have 750,000 registered refugees with various international organizations. Then there are Syrians straddling between Syria and Lebanon. More than 300,000 Syrians who are not registered as refugees, but who are currently in Lebanon. The Lebanese government is doing its duty towards the Syrian refugees who are in our territory." Commenting on the impact on Lebanese economy with many Syrians depositing their capital assets in Lebanese banks, the Caretaker Premier said, "Lebanese banks are cautious, under these circumstances in particular, about attracting deposits from the Syrians. "Lebanese banks are doing their job of overseeing accounts and making sure who the owners of these accounts are because we do not want there to be grounds for any doubt by the international community over certain accounts held in Lebanese banks." He also said Lebanon's policy of keep a distance is right. "The self-distancing policy is absolutely the appropriate for the Lebanese Government and the Lebanese people. Looking at the developments in the region, and especially what is happening in Syria, this is highly significant for Lebanon. "We have had to consider the historical and geographical relationship between Lebanon and Syria, as well as the split in Lebanese society into pro and anti-political positions involving Syrian events. I think it is the right attitude to keep for the up-coming government, in the future, because that is what will protect Lebanon from the consequences of what is going on in the region." Source: QNA