Western states hamper return of Syrian refuges: Lavrov
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sergey Lavrov accused some Western countries of sabotaging the return of Syrian migrants to their homeland.
In a joint press conference held in Moscow with his Lebanese counterpart, Abdallah Bou Habib, Lavrov said the western obstruction is definitely not helping to implement the UN Resolution 2254 which mandates the return of Syrian refugees to their home country.
“The International Community is concerned with the return of the Syrian refugees to their country, but it does not provide sufficient resources for this”, Lavrov added.
“The International Community is responsible for allocating large sums of money to resolve troubles of the Syrian refugees,” he noted.
“The International Community has to create conditions inside Syria so that refugees in Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey and Egypt can return home,” the Russian Minister stressed.
Lavrov pointed out that Moscow and Beirut have consensus on many issues on the international and regional agenda.
In turn, Lebanese Foreign Minister stressed that Lebanon depends on Russia’s support in resolving the cumulative problems.
“I would like you today to brief us of your regional and international views, and consider current political or economic problems Lebanon is currently facing. I hope a direct assistance from Russia through regional friends in Moscow in order to find solutions to the Lebanese problems”, Bou Habib said.
Bou Habib stressed that Russia has a substantial role and has ability to assist in resolving the issue of the Syrian refugees and relieve burden of Lebanon.
“Both Lebanon and Russia agree on the necessity to ensure an accelerated return of the Syrian refugees. But the two countries disagree with Western states that say the return of migrants means that Bashar al-Assad will remain in power.”