Lawmaker Elias Hankach considered that Syrian refugees file as critical, affirming that the Kataeb Party’s stance is not new as it has repeatedly called for the organization of the Syrian presence.

“We toured international bodies, including the European Union and Washington. There is a real fear about the issue of asylum, and no one should accuse us of racism,” Hankach said in an interview with Voice of Lebanon radio station.

“Our priority today is the Lebanese people, knowing that the Syrian refugees have the right to medical care and education out of respect for human rights. Lebanon cannot bear the burden of this file alone and that it be at the expense of its people,” he pointed out. 

Regarding the return of Syrian refugees, he considered that it would not be voluntary because the UNHCR supports them, calling for linking the support to their return to Syria.

He pointed out that Denmark, the country that respects human rights most, has classified Tartous and Latakia as two large and safe areas in Syria that are able to accommodate the displaced, saying that a country that signs tourism agreements with Iran cannot say that it is unable to return its citizens to its lands.

Hankach stressed that the Lebanese army and local authorities, such as municipalities, were playing their role and carrying out duty.

 “We would like the support of international organizations for their return to Syria. We appeal to the Arab League that their return be a solution to the Syrian crisis,” he declared.

“One of the sponsors offered a school in Metn region to enroll 1,500 Syrian refugee students in exchange for a contribution to cover the same number of Lebanese students,” he said. 

Regarding the aid provided to the Syrian refugees, he said: "I do not blame the teachers and hold the Lebanese State responsible for its failure in assuming its responsibilities. For example, there are teachers who do not teach the Lebanese before noon and teach the Syrians in the afternoon because international organizations pay them in dollars.”

“The Lebanese has become an expatriate and a refugee in his homeland while the non-Lebanese is now the owner of the country, has privileges, and is rich in aid,” he added.

 “A "bankrupt" country with worn-out infrastructure cannot bear this number of refugees. The State can count legal entry, but illegal entry and exit cannot be counted,” he concluded.