SYRIA REFUGEES IN LEBANON FEAR RUSSIA’S BID TO TAKE THEM HOME
▶ Displaced say they want UN involvement to guarantee safe return but Lebanese politicians keen on repatriation
I do not believe it will guarantee me a safe return. Russia and Bashar Al Assad are exactly the same for us ABOU BRAHIM Teacher from Qalamoun
Syrian refugees living in Lebanon have spoken out against proposed Russian involvement in their planned repatriation.
After a Russian delegation’s visit to Lebanon on Thursday, officials announced plans for a joint Lebanese-Russian committee to co-ordinate the return of Syrian refugees.
But Syrians living in the Beqaa Valley town of Arsal, which with 50,000 refugees is one of the biggest settlements in Lebanon, told The National that they opposed the Russian proposal.
“Russia is responsible for the death of my fellow citizens,” said Abou Brahim, a teacher from Qalamoun, a region of Syria that borders the Beqaa Valley. “I do not believe it will guarantee me a safe return. Russia and Bashar Al Assad are exactly the same for us.”
Since 2015, Russia military support to President Bashar Al Assad has helped to turn the tide of the seven-year civil war in the leader’s favour.
Recently, Russian air strikes were instrumental in the Syrian government’s offensive to retake the southern provinces of Deraa and Quneitra.
But Russian President Vladimir Putin’s support for Mr Al Assad alarms Syrian refugees, many of whom fled persecution.
“We want international protection from the UN and from countries like France, Turkey or Saudi Arabia,” said Wissam, 25.
Like many young Syrian men, he deserted the Syrian army five years ago after witnessing violent suppression of peaceful demonstrations in Latakia.
Lebanese politicians are eager for Syrian refugees to return home, saying that they represent an unbearable burden for the weak local economy and infrastructure.
Nearly one million Syrian refugees are registered with the UNHCR in Lebanon but officials say their number could be as high as 1.5 million.
Lebanese President Michel Aoun said on Friday that he welcomed Russia’s offer to secure the return of 890,000 refugees. Mr Aoun called on the UN to participate in Russia’s plan.
UN Special Co-ordinator for Lebanon Pernille Dahler Kardel, who met Mr Aoun on Friday, said that the UN was committed to co-operating with Lebanon to maintain the country’s security.
Voluntary returns of Syrian refugees from Arsal and South Lebanon have increased markedly in recent weeks. One of Lebanon’s main intelligence units, General Security, co-ordinated their departure with Syrian intelligence, which approved the names of those who wished to return.
In Arsal, about 3,000 refugees registered for departure with 2,000 already having left, Deputy Mayor Rima Kronbi said.
The remaining 1,000 are expected to return in the coming weeks but registration has been put on hold for unknown reasons, Ms Kronbi said.
“Those who left Arsal were mostly worried about Law 10”, said Abou Saleh, a lawyer from Jreijir and a member of a committee that claims to represent 35,000 Syrians from Eastern Qalamoun who live in Arsal.
Law 10 was passed in April to help with the reconstruction of Syria but watchdogs have warned that the law, which gives residents a deadline to prove ownership of their homes, could be used to dispossess displaced Syrians.
“I care more about my life than about my house back in Syria,” Mr Abou Saleh said.
Refugees returning home say hardship in Lebanon is a primary factor.
“I have no future here in Lebanon,” said Assad Ramadan, 47. “In Syria, I have a chance to improve my situation.”
Others plan to return in spite of reservations.
“I don’t believe in the Russian proposal,” said Abou Hassan, who plans to return to Syria to seek an operation to repair his six-year-old’s cleft palate. “People are still dying in Syria.”
But being of military age, he said he expected to be conscripted when he returned. “I’m comfortable in Lebanon,” he said.
“If my son wasn’t ill I would stay here.”