President of the Republic Michel Aoun on Wednesday presided over a meeting at Baabda Palace to discuss the file of displaced Syrians, particularly the implementation of decisions made at previous meetings at Baabda Palace and those of the ministerial committee in charge of following up on this file in all dimensions.

“It was decided to send a letter to the UN Secretary-General this week on the topic of repatriating Syrian refugees and Lebanon's official stance on the subject. It was also agreed that a letter be sent to UNHCR to define its roles in line with Lebanese legislation, and schedule a meeting to clarify the letter and follow up on its implementation procedures on the Lebanese territory,” Minister of Scoial Affairs Hector El Hajjar said after the meeting.

“The letter also aimed at taking a decision with UNHCR to re-develop a study on the Syrian refugees impact on the economic, financial, social, environmental, health, and security levels. It is noted that a study on this topic was developed three years ago, but this impact must be re-studied to give us an idea of how to maintain the dialogue with the international community and clarify the burdens borne by Lebanon as a result of this displacement and the cost thereof,” he added.

The meeting was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Abdullah Bou Habib, Minister of Social Affairs Hector El Hajjar, former Minister Salim Jreissati, Director General of the Presidency of the Republic Dr. Antoine Choucair, Director General of General Security Major General Abbas Ibrahim and advisors Rafic Shlala, Raymond Tarabay and Roula Nassar.