BASSIL: Lebanon Cannot Tolerate any Form of Settlement, We will Confront this Matter by All Means

21 Sep 2017

Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Minister, Gebran Bassil, stressed Thursday that Lebanon cannot bear any form of settlement whatsoever, vowing to confront this issue by all possible means.

"We will never allow it (settlement) to happen, and our national will shall prevail over any other that seeks to settle foreigners in our land," retorted Bassil, speaking before the Lebanese expatriate community in North Carolina.

"Solving the problem of the displaced and refugees lies in their returning to their homeland, which is their right," emphasized Bassil.

"The Lebanese are right to demand reform, but unfortunately, we lack political capacity because of those who do not want change," he went on.

Bassil highlighted the main headline marking President Michel Aoun's mandate, namely to restore the State's presence and reinforce the implementation of laws.

Addressing the Lebanese expatriates, Bassil reassuringly stressed that "economic plans will be set to create employment opportunities for Lebanese residents and allow expatriates to have a national economic role, rendering their connection with their mother nation a legal and economic reality."

"We will not allow our people to be replaced by others. Therefore, we call on you to strengthen your bond with Lebanon in order to restore, with the help of the Lebanese Diaspora, the required balance to protect the nation and build the State. Lebanon is your homeland, so do not stay away!" Bassil concluded.