Khalil on Syrian Refugees: International Community Failed Lebanon

Finance Minister Ali Hassan Khalil on Thursday expressed disappointment in the international community's dealing with the issue of Syrian refugees in Lebanon.

“Having more than 1.5 million displaced Syrians obligates the international community to adhere to its commitments towards Lebanon,” said Khalil in a speech he made during the Guidance Committee's first meeting over a new funding initiative.

“We are not contended with the international community’s role in helping Lebanon cope with the Syrian refugees,” added the Minister.

“Lebanon has been able to host brethren Syrians and provide education for many, but today we are shocked and disappointed that the international support for Lebanon did not meet the required standards,” he emphasized.

He pointed to the political and economic crises that Lebanon is suffering and related these to the influx of Syrians that has been burdening Lebanon at all levels, he said: “Lebanon will be stronger when the displaced Syrians go back to their homeland.”

Lebanon hosts more than one million Syrian refugees -- roughly a quarter of its population -- and has regularly been praised for opening its borders to those fleeing the brutal conflict in its neighbor.

But the refugee influx has strained resources and tempers, with some Lebanese viewing the years-long presence of Syrians as a burden, even an imposition.