UN refugee agency stresses support for Lebanon over Syrian refugee crisis

BEIRUT - Visiting United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi stressed Wednesday the need to support Lebanon in the ongoing Syrian refugee crisis. 
Grandi made the remarks during his meeting with Lebanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Gebran Bassil. 
"It is very important to know that support for Lebanon should be ongoing, and that the crisis affects not only the displaced, but also the Lebanese communities that host them and meet their demands," said Grandi in a statement. 
He said that the conditions in Syria are still not suitable for the refugees to return, stressing that further efforts are needed to create better circumstances to secure the return of the Syrians. 
The UN envoy also discussed with the Lebanese minister the financial conditions of the Syrian refugees, and the need to address the legal conditions that protect the international human rights in Syria. 
"It is very important to know that the return of the displaced is based on determination, freedom and proper decision-making," he added. 
According to Grandi, there are 5.5 million Syrian refugees in its neighboring countries, including more than 1 million displaced persons registered in Lebanon. 
The UN official had met earlier with Lebanese President Michel Aoun and is expected to meet with Lebanese Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Saad Hariri.