Naharnet - Plumbly Meets Syrian Refugees, Says Assisting them is Urgent Humanitarian Obligation, April 17, 2012

U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon Derek Plumbly visited on Tuesday the northern area of Akkar where he met displaced Syrian families and held meetings with Lebanese army representatives.

In a statement he delivered during his visit, Plumbly said the impact of the Syrian crisis is probably most acute in northern Lebanon because of the proximity to the Syrian border and because of the displacement of Syrians.

Hoping that the displaced will soon be able to return to their homes, he said: “In the meantime, assisting them in their need is an urgent humanitarian obligation, and one to which Lebanon has risen impressively

“The government, and in particular the High Relief Commission, has been doing an excellent job,” he said.

The diplomat hailed Lebanese families living in this area for their “kindness and generosity” in helping the Syrian refugees.

“U.N. agencies – UNDP and UNICEF as well as UNHCR and many NGO partners -- are already present in the Akkar area. We will be discussing with the Lebanese authorities and donor organizations what more can be done to help,” he said.

During his visit, Plumbly met displaced Syrian families and U.N. staff working in northern Lebanon. He also met with the local authorities of Wadi Khaled, Mashta Hammoud and Machta Hassan who briefed him on the situation in the area.

Later in the day, Plumbly held meetings with representatives of the Lebanese army and with lawmakers from the region.

http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/37082