Hariri: Syrian refugees create big repercussions on Lebanon's sectors

BEIRUT, Jan 16 (KUNA) -- Lebanon's Prime Minister Saad Hariri Monday stressed the Syrian refugee crisis has left major effects on Lebanon's different sectors, mainly the areas which are hosting large numbers of Syrians.
The entire of Lebanon is suffering from the consequences of this crisis that badly affected services in the areas of energy, water, health, education and infrastructure, National News Agency quoted Hariri as saying, while receiving a delegation of UN organizations.
He thanked the organizations working in Lebanon for their support, stressing the importance of partnership between the two sides in bearing burdens of the Syrian refugee crisis and overcoming challenges facing the country, the agency said.
The Lebanese government will conduct a comprehensive survey of the Syrian refugees across the country and their effects on all environmental, developmental and economic sectors.
Hariri affirmed Lebanon's commitment to the goals of sustainable development adopted by the UN in 2015, noting that the government is setting a plan on its priorities so as to achieve the sustainable development.
Meanwhile, United Nations Ambassador to Lebanon Sigrid Kaag confirmed the UN commitment to the country and to the success of the government's state policy.
She emphasized that the UN will continue to work with Lebanon for the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701 and will support the Lebanese armed forces to preserve the country's territorial integrity and enhance its security.
"We discussed with the Prime Minister how we can best support the strengthening and the building of capacity of some of the new ministries that have recently been established and this with a view to ensure success," she said.
She noted that this includes the Ministry of Refugees, the Ministry for Women and also of course the Ministry that combats corruption.
According to official figures by UN, Lebanon is currently hosting more than one million Syrian refugees, while Beirut said there is more than 1.5 million in several areas. (end) wsm.hm