I thank Minister Rashid Derbas for receiving me today at the Ministry. I congratulated him on his new and heavy responsibilities. We had a very good meeting. I welcomed the determination of the new Lebanese government, particularly the minister himself, to follow up closely on the issue of the Syrian refugees in Lebanon, their needs and the needs of the Lebanese communities hosting them and the government’s intention to form a joint ministerial committee to oversee the issue and its intention to ensure close cooperation with the United Nations in addressing it.
We discussed ideas, including how to put into effect the conclusions of the International Support Group for Lebanon meeting in Paris. We hope to see progress on this track, not only in the interest of the refugees but also to the benefit of the Lebanese Government and the Lebanese communities hosting the refugees.
We also discussed the situation in Arsal and the needs of the refugees there. This is a very delicate situation. I welcomed the measures taken by the Lebanese army today to reopen the road to Arsal, which is very important for the continuity of the work of the UN agencies and other relief organizations there.
Thank you
Statement of Minister of Social Affairs, Rashid Derbas
I just met with the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Derek Plumbly. I believe there was complete agreement that assistance for the Syrian refugees is a joint responsibility of Lebanon, the United Nations, donor countries and the international community as a whole.
We discussed a number of urgent and immediate points, including the situation in Arsal. The Special Coordinator voiced his satisfaction with the measures taken by the Lebanese army to avoid a crisis. But we also discussed other points and proposals to preempt what could happen in the future in terms of unexpected developments. There was full agreement on the need for continued consultations. We also agreed to hold a broader meeting in the presence of UNHCR and the World Bank. I believe this meeting paved the way for fruitful work in the future. I thank him for his visit and extend the ministry’s greetings to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
Thank you.