Lebanese Forces Leader, Samir Geagea, stressed in a statement today that “the LF position on the issue of the illegal Syrian presence in Lebanon is a firm, principled and sovereign stance that does not change with a billion euros or tens of billions, and does not change with an international request or wish."

He confirmed that this is a "legal matter that cannot continue on Lebanese soil and is not subject to discussion....The only thing that is up for discussion is assistance in their deportation, not assistance in keeping them in Lebanon.”

"After we detected that those who ruled and were in control for years failed to assume their responsibilities and did not take any practical step outside of political bidding, we began a series of actions on the ground with the municipalities, departments and ministries concerned, and we are continuing with everything we are doing until the last illegal immigrant leaves Lebanon," Geagea asserted.

He concluded: “What we have started will not stop, neither with international wishes nor with nations' billions, because there is no priority higher than the Lebanese identity, Lebanese sovereignty, and Lebanese security.”