Mikati Urges Syrians to Return Home

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati has urged Syrians who sought refuge in Lebanon to return home following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad. Mikati highlighted that Lebanon, with a population of 5.8 million, is currently hosting around two million Syrians, with over 800,000 registered with the United Nations. This makes Lebanon the country with the highest number of refugees per capita.

At a political event in Rome on Saturday, Mikati explained that the influx of refugees has placed immense strain on Lebanon’s already struggling economy, intensifying competition for jobs and services. He noted that one-third of Lebanon’s population now consists of Syrian refugees, further complicating the nation’s economic challenges.

Mikati emphasized that the best solution to the refugee crisis, in light of the recent political changes in Syria, is for Syrians to return to their homeland. He also called on the international community, particularly Europe, to assist in this process. He suggested that recovery efforts should be initiated in secure areas of Syria to facilitate the return of refugees.