Abu Faour blasts state failure to care for Iraqis

BEIRUT: Social Affairs Minister Wael Abu Faour voiced criticism of the government Wednesday for failing to take care of Iraqi refugees in the country.

“The Lebanese state has not done its full duty to the Iraqi refugees, Abu Faour said, rejecting any politicization of the refugee issue or discrimination against Syrian, Iraqi or Palestinian refugees in the country.

Speaking during a gathering organized by the Syriac League in honor of Iraqi refugees, Abu Faour said his ministry would strive to provide basic services to the refugees, while thanking civil groups that have helped in the effort.

“The ministry will be available to provide the minimum amount of services and contributions to the refugees,” he said, while adding that there was “no alternative to the state” for such activities. Also speaking during the gathering, the head of the Syriac League, Habib Frem, apologized for Lebanon’s treatment of Iraqi refugees.

“I apologize on behalf of the Lebanese state and people for not taking care of you well enough, and for not helping you as people who champion human rights,” said Frem. Thousands of Iraqi Christians fled their country following the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Read more: http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Local-News/2011/Dec-22/157615-abu-faour-blasts-state-failure-to-care-for-iraqis.ashx#ixzz1hIn55INX
(The Daily Star :: Lebanon News :: http://www.dailystar.com.lb)