Daily Star - Politicians call for establishment of Syrian refugees camps in Lebanon, November 9th 2011

By Fadi Chahine

BEIRUT: Several politicians over the Eid Al-Adha week have called for the establishment of a place near the Lebanese-Syrian border to accommodate Syrians who have fled unrest in their home country.

Earlier this weekend, former Prime Minister Saad Hariri hinted, during a discussion with his supporters on Twitter, that Lebanon should consider establishing a Syrian refugee camp in north Lebanon to accommodate the constant flow of Syrians fleeing an eight-month crackdown by Damascus against protesters calling for reforms in their contry.

Although Hariri did not elaborate, the Pan-Arab daily, Asharq al-Awsat, quoted sources in the Future Movement as saying that a number of its members, under the instruction of Hariri, were developing plans to assist with creating a base for Syrian refugees in Lebanon.

But the paper said sources in the Lebanese government, headed by Prime Minister Najib Mikati, was not in favor of the idea and would impede such efforts.

Former MP Mustafa Alloush, an outspoken critic of the Syrian regime and a member of the Future Movement, told reporters Tuesday that the international community should be leading the effort to establish the refugee facilities, not just local non-governmental organizations.

“Just from a humanitarian perspective the world must extend a helping hand to Syrian refugees in Lebanon,” Alloush said. “This is the responsibility of the United Nations, who must take the needed steps to ensure the safety of Syrian refugees in Lebanon,” he added.

In late October, MP Marwan Hamadeh, a leading member of the March 14 opposition, condemned Lebanese authorities of neglecting the refugees and called on the government to assist with creating a “safe haven” for those seeking safety on Lebanese territories.

“The majority of the Lebanese people will stand by the Syrian protesters,” he said.

Leaders in the north of the country have also stepped up their calls for the government to assist the Syrian refugee population.

Religious and political leaders from the northern city of Akkar warned the government Monday not to withhold medical treatment to Syrian refugees.

A statement issued at the end of a lengthy meeting held at the residence of Future bloc MP Mouin Merhebi accused Mikati of denying medical care for Syrian refugees in Lebanon.

Hundreds of Syrians, including members of the opposition, have crossed into Lebanon fleeing a crackdown by Damascus. Most of the Syrian refugees in Lebanon lack personal documentation and have entered the country through illegal border crossings.

The U.N. said Tuesday that 3,500 people, mostly civilians, have been killed in the crackdown launched by Damascus earlier in the year to quell protests calling for the departure of President Bashar Assad. However, observers and activists put the number of dead around 5,000.

Syrian authorities deny targeting civilians, blaming “armed gangs” for the deaths.

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