The General Coordinator of the National Campaign for the Return of Syrian Displaced Persons, Captain Maroun al-Khouli, believes that the meeting hosted by Baabda Palace, which brought together President of the Republic General Joseph Aoun with both President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, represents a milestone towards ending the Syrian displacement crisis in Lebanon, after more than thirteen years of great pressure.
In a statement to, al-Khouli explained that the importance of this meeting goes beyond its prestigious political level, to include the tangible shift in the statements issued by the highest two authorities: the Lebanese Presidency and the leadership of the European Union.
He stressed that this development is what the National Campaign has long called for, after years of facing European policies characterized by procrastination and hesitation in seriously addressing the return of Syrian displaced persons to their country.
He pointed out that President Aoun’s position was decisive in emphasizing that Lebanon can no longer bear the increasing burden of displacement since 2011, and that the time has come to start the return process, in cooperation with the Syrian state and with European and international support.
In return, al-Khouli praised the statements issued by the President of the European Commission, considering that the European Union’s announcement of support for the return of displaced persons to Syria and their reintegration represents an unprecedented shift in the way Europe deals with this file, especially with the transition of the discussion within the Union to how to ensure a dignified and voluntary return, while acknowledging what Lebanon bears despite its multiple crises.
Al-Khouli concluded his speech by stressing that this meeting is an actual start to a new political and international path, calling on the Lebanese government to seize this opportunity immediately by developing a clear national plan with specific time frames for the return of displaced persons, in coordination with Syria and with direct European support. He stressed that ending the displacement file is no longer just an option, but a sovereign, economic and social necessity, and that the Baabda Palace meeting should represent a decisive turning point preventing any policies of denial or obstruction, paving the way for restoring stability to Lebanon and preserving the dignity of displaced persons through their return to their homeland.
