Aoun meets Mogherini, renews calls for safe return of Syrian refugees

President of the republic, Michel Aoun, hoped that the conferences to be held in support for Lebanon in Europe would beget executive decisions in terms of backing the Lebanese military and securing a safe return for the Syrian refugees to their homeland.

"Lebanon, as it appreciates the support of the European Union for its causes, hopes that the participation of the EU states in the conferences special for Lebanon will be effective," Aoun said during his meeting with EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini, at Baabda palace.

Moreover, the President reminded of the toll the displacement of more than 1.8 million Syrians had taken on Lebanon's economic, social, educational, and healthcare conditions.

Also, Aoun renewed calls to secure a safe and progressive return of refugees to the stable areas in Syria.

Furthermore, he highlighted to his guest the importance of national unity in overcoming the crisis that had erupted following Prime Minister Saad Hariri's resignation.

"The governmental work is back on track, and the legislative polls will be held on their due date under the new election law," he said.

Aoun did not fail to renew his condemnation of the US decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Accordingly, he urged the EU to exert pressure to axe that decision "as it does not help make peace in the Middle East region."

"Jerusalem cannot belong to one religion, because it is the cradle of all the monotheistic religions; and it must not be owned by other than its sons," he stressed.

For her part, Mogherini hailed Aoun's salient role during the fresh governmental crisis, praising his ability to preserve stability despite the critical juncture that had jolted the country.

Moreover, she confirmed EU states' continuous financial support for Lebanon to help address the refugee crisis.

"Lebanon can count on the EU support in all fields," Mogherini said

Source: NNA