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Conflict in Syria

Russian, Lebanese diplomats discuss return of Syrian refugees

According to earlier reports, an operation for the return of 850 refugees to Syria began in northeastern Lebanon

MOSCOW, July 23. /TASS/. The return of Syrian refugees was in focus of a telephone conversation between Russian president’s special envoy for the Middle East and African countries and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov and Lebanese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Gibran Bassil, the Russian foreign ministry said on Monday.

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Over 800 Syrian refugees to return from Lebanon

"The sides discussed issues related to the return of Syrian refugees, including from Lebanon, as a major stage in the settlement of the Syrian crisis. They also discussed possible solutions to Lebanon’s socio-economic and demographic problems," the ministry said.

According to the ministry, Bassil hailed Russia’s initiatives geared to "consolidate international assistance to Syria’s revival, including the program for the return of millions of its citizens who had to flee the country during the seven-year armed conflict and terrorist expansion in Syria."

According to earlier reports, an operation for the return of 850 refugees to Syria began in northeastern Lebanon. According to the Al Mayadeen television channel, it is the forth and the biggest group of Syrians who want to return to their homes in the mountainous Western Qalamoun area some 60 kilometers of Damascus. As many as 1.5 million Syrian refugees are reportedly staying in Lebanon.

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Syrian conflict

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