PM Najib Mikati address The Lebanese-Palestinian Dialogue Committee conference, Grand Serail
Tuesday, Oct 08, 2013
Honorable Audience,
We are all gathered here today to launch a proposal aimed at re-structuring LPDC, a committee that was formed in 2005 and played a vital role in filling a gap in the Lebanese administration in terms of dealing with the Palestinian presence in Lebanon, that was caused by the Israeli occupation of a cherished part of Palestine and the forced expulsion of Palestinians from their homeland. The ongoing exodus is mainly due to the Israeli intransigence and its refusal to reach a compromise matching the Arab Peace Initiative, adopted in Beirut in 2002.
The Lebanese-Palestinian relations fluctuated between stages of ups and downs on a backdrop of tension and concern. It is high time that we join efforts with our Palestinian brethren to establish solid and stable relations, based on the firm refusal of settlement and the resolute Right of Return.
The ethical and humanitarian right stipulates maintaining the momentum of the refugees issue and always reminding the international community of its obligations in implementing the international resolutions related to Palestine, chiefly the Right of Return.
In turn, the hosting and hospitality ethics require from the Palestinian brethren a full respect of the Lebanese sovereignty and the rule of Law. It requires preventing anyone from transforming the Palestinian camps in Lebanon into spots of illegal acts or a safe haven for fugitives which are elements of stress that we reject in the relations between Lebanese and Palestinians on Lebanese territory.
The draft law proposal to establish the Higher Commission for Palestinian Refugees is a living proof of our determination to institutionalize the Lebanese-Palestinian relations and outline the tasks of the Commission according to our aspirations to safeguard the rule of Law in Lebanon. It is also in accordance with the aspirations of the Palestinians for a decent management that would uphold their rights within a vision that guarantees both their interests and those of Lebanon.
Dear Friends,
Lebanon is going through a difficult stage induced by the massive influx from Syria of Syrian and Palestinian brethren. This situation has created a new reality in Lebanon affecting every aspect of the daily life: infrastructure, security and living conditions. This reality should incite us to avoid all forms of conflict and to be quite vigilant facing any attempt to exploit the situation.
As you all know, Lebanon opened its doors to a massive influx of displaced that has exceeded its capacity to cater for them while keeping to its ethical, humanitarian and good neighborhood principles. However, Lebanon cannot face the emerging problems without the support of the international community. Hence, we reiterate our call for a political solution of the Syrian crisis to guarantee the stability of the situation and a safe return of the displaced to their homes and schools.
In this regard, we value the determination of the “International Support Group for Lebanon”, during its recent meeting in New York, to bolster Lebanon’s stability at this stage; as we expect the implementation of a series of practical procedures that would translate this support and help us in bearing the serious socio-economic and humanitarian burdens stemming from the Syrian refugees crisis in Lebanon. These implications were clearly described in the recent report of the World Bank.
We acknowledge that we are committed to our brotherly and humanitarian obligations with regard to our Syrian brethren, as we feel compassion and solidarity with their plight, but our priority is to safeguard our Nation and People and fend off the imminent dangers induced by the influx of refugees coming from Syria. In this regard, we have initiated a series of procedures aimed at alleviating the increasing number of Syrian refugees by setting some specific conditions: we will re-examine the situation of every Syrian refugee on Lebanese territory that fails to fulfill the legal conditions of a “refugee”.
Honorable audience,
Lebanon is considerably affected by the surrounding Arab, geographic and regional conditions; yet it has only wellbeing to offer.
Our sole enemy is Israel that is still occupying some cherished parts of our Land while violating our sovereignty each and every day;
This enemy occupies the cherished land of Palestine and condemns its people to extermination and expulsion;
Lebanon interacts with its surroundings and is concerned by the plight of the oppressed, hoping that they will enjoy safety and security in their land, so that safety and security reign on its land. Every regional conflict resonates in its parts and every rapprochement is reflected in a peaceful and serene environment.
We call upon all the parties to go back to wisdom and agreement upholding the national interest on top of all. This requires us all to revert to dialogue and reconciliation as the only way to go out of the current dilemma. Any attempt to lay a wager on changes will plunge Lebanon into useless conflicts.
Restoring confidence between the various Lebanese parties has become an urgent priority; the ongoing disagreement and wrangle will lead us all to worthless bereavement and remorse.
Forming a new government has become, more than ever, an urgent priory. We should stop the gridlock of contradictory conditions and renounce to useless details.
The interests of the Lebanese are at a standstill and the numerous urgent and challenging socio-economic issues cannot wait for the current showdown or the conflicting interests.
The Lebanese are frustrated by the ongoing polarization that has been flourishing for the past years; they are longing for a quiet life where they can shape their present and future.
Stop the wrangling that has brought only disappointment and frustration to our people;
Let us agree on a common insight that caters for Lebanon and its people;
Long live Lebanon.
