Sleiman: Lebanon unable to host more Syrian refugees

Lebanon's President Michel Sleiman warned Friday that his country is unable to host any more Syrian refugees who are fleeing the violence in their home country in massive flows. Sleiman, who met Friday with the ambassadors of the permanent members of the UN Security Council, called upon the international community to recognize the burden the Syrian refugees have inflicted upon Lebanon. He also proposed a plan in tackling this issue, urging sharing the responsibility of receiving the refugees, tightening the control of refugee status, hosting refugees inside Syria, and increasing the international aids to the Lebanese government in this regard. The UN Higher Council for Refugees said Monday that the Syrian refugees in Lebanon had exceeded half a million. UN Special envoy to Lebanon Derek Plumbly also pointed out that the burden of Syrian refugees on Lebanon is growing, adding "more resources are needed to assist both the refugees and the communities hosting them."