Search
Search

LEBANON

Frangieh calls Nasrallah's proposal for Syrian migrants and refugees a 'last resort'

Frangieh calls Nasrallah's proposal for Syrian migrants and refugees a 'last resort'

Marada leader Sleiman Frangieh speaking at the Baabda presidential palace, Jan. 11, 2022. (Photo archives Dalati and Nohra)

Sleiman Frangieh, leader of the Marada Movement, responded on Sunday to a recent proposal by Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah, who called on Beirut to allow Syrians to sail toward Europe as a means to pressure the West to find a solution for the refugee crisis. Frangieh stated that such measures should be viewed as a last resort, indicating a preference for "exploring other solutions first."

Nasrallah raised the idea earlier this month, amidst growing anti-Syrian sentiments and allegations that Western powers aim to maintain refugees within Lebanon. This statement seemed to be an attempt to influence the European Union, following its recent announcement of 1 billion Euros in aid to Lebanon aimed at addressing irregular migration issues.

In an interview on Al Jadeed TV, Frangieh said that Nasrallah's proposal should be "the last resort." We are with the Europeans but if you can't talk to Syria and you have to keep them in your own country then we can use such methods." 

"Now it is good that they gave $1 billion but they should have given it five years ago and I think we can get more than 1 billion and give money to Syrian families as an incentive to go back to their country," Frangieh added.

The Lebanese government estimates that more than 1.5 million Syrian refugees live in Lebanon, including approximately 815,000 registered with UNHCR, the highest number of refugees per capita in the world.

Political stalemate and presidential prospects

Frangieh acknowledged the ongoing deadlock in the Lebanese political landscape, emphasizing that the balance of power remains unchanged. "The balance of power hasn't changed yet, and no one can secure a presidential election now as we await a major settlement," he stated, underlining the necessity for a broader political resolution before a new president can be elected.

Criticizing the inconsistency of some political factions, Frangieh questioned why some parties are willing to engage in dialogue in Paris but refuse to do so in Lebanon. "Those who refuse dialogue in Lebanon, why do they accept it in Paris?" he asked. Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri has repeatedly said that he would only call MPs for new electoral sessions after a round of national dialogue, which the opposition refuses. Frangieh also praised France's neutral stance in Lebanese politics, saying, "The French are equidistant from everyone. If I reach the presidency, they would be pleased since our relationship is positive and based on respect." French presidency's special envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian is expected to visit Beirut tomorrow to discuss the political crisis and the cross-border fighting between Hezbollah and the Israeli Army. 

Reflecting on the broader regional conflicts, Frangieh questioned the feasibility of focusing on presidential elections amid turmoil. "In a region marked by coffins and unending bloodshed, is there really space for a presidential seat?" he pondered, at a time when international actors are calling on the Lebanese to elect a president before the end of the war in Gaza. South Lebanon has been in a state of war following Hamas's Oct. 7 operation as Hezbollah and Israel have been exchanging attacks on a daily basis which occasionally expands to other parts of Lebanon 

Frangieh reaffirmed his commitment to his political stance and party, stating, "I will not withdraw. If our camp desires this, they must come and justify their request, but I doubt they will do so."

Frangieh confirmed Hezbollah’s urgency in electing a new president but noted that the party would not compromise on its criteria. "Hezbollah wants to elect a president as soon as possible but will not compromise on its set criteria," he asserted. Addressing the broader crisis in Lebanon, Frangieh emphasized the importance of a comprehensive settlement. "A resolution will solve Lebanon's crisis. Our team follows its agenda, considering the Western and American stance as one and the same," he concluded.

Lebanon has been without a president since Oct. 31, 2023 when Michel Aoun left office. Frangieh is the candidate of Hezbollah and its allies.

Sleiman Frangieh, leader of the Marada Movement, responded on Sunday to a recent proposal by Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah, who called on Beirut to allow Syrians to sail toward Europe as a means to pressure the West to find a solution for the refugee crisis. Frangieh stated that such measures should be viewed as a last resort, indicating a preference for "exploring other solutions...