Bassil: We need to discuss deportation of Syrian and Palestinian refugees

Minister of Energy and Water Resources, Gebran Bassil, discussed Sunday his apprehensions as to the influx of Syrian and Palestinian refugees into Lebanon. "We will preserve every inch of our territory," he said at the launch in Batroun, in preparation for Lebanese wine day which is scheduled to take place in France May 16, 2013. "When we refuse to allow Syrian and Palestinian refugees to replace us, we must devote our refusal by actions and not only by words," he said. "How can we teach the Syrian curriculum in some Lebanese schools? Where is our sovereignty and dignity?" he asked. "Our attitude is not racist, but rather stems from our patriotism," he added. "We have asked the Council of Ministers to hold a session on this subject, so we seriously discuss the deportation of refugees back to their lands...Those who want to help us, can provide accommodations for refugees in large countries, which surround us. Countries such as Turkey, Jordan, Iraq and Cyprus can accommodate refugees until the end of their crisis. Why should Lebanon pay the price?" Bassil clarified that he did not demand the closing down of borders. "Borders serve the purpose of exporting all that is good and protecting ourselves and our country Lebanon from all that is bad." The Minister also recalled that Turkey, Jordan and Iraq stopped the influx of refugees to their territories, wondering why Lebanon should continue to receive them.