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Russian, Lebanese envoys discuss return of Syrian refugees

At present, refugees are actively returning to their homes

MOSCOW, August 15. /TASS/. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov and Adviser to the Lebanese PM George Shaaban discussed in Moscow on Wednesday conditions necessary for the return of Syrian refugees to their homes, the Russian Foreign Ministry says in a report.

"They discussed the situation in Syria with an accent on the issue of ensuring necessary conditions for an early return to their homeland of Syrian refugees staying on the territory of the Lebanese Republic," the ministry said.

Shaaban informed Bogdanov "in detail about the situation in Lebanon, also within the context of efforts towards shaping a new Lebanese government".

At a meeting on July 21 with Bogdanov, who is Special Presidential Representative for the Middle East and Africa, Shaaban said Caretaker Prime Minister Saad Hariri welcomed Moscow’s efforts towards working out a comprehensive plan for the return of Syrian refugees, especially from Lebanon and Jordan.

Refugees in Lebanon

During the war in Syria, civilians had to flee their homes seized by terrorists. Many fled to the neighboring Lebanon as the Syrian nationals can cross the border with Lebanon without visas.

At present, they are actively returning to their homes. According to most recent reports from the Russian Center for the Reception, Allocation and Accommodation of Refugees in Syria and the Coordinating Committee for the Return of Refugees set up by the Syrian authorities, more than 6,300 people have returned from Lebanon since July 18.