First consultative meeting to exchange views on the broader political context of the Palestinian refugee

The Lebanese-Palestinian Dialogue Committee held its first consultative meeting, chaired by Ambassador Ramez Dimechkie, to exchange views on the broader political context of the Palestinian refugee issue in Lebanon and discuss potential approaches and next steps.

Participants included the former Chairman of LPDC Dr. Hassan Mneimneh; Dr. Antoine Haddad; Mr. Adib Nehmeh; “Masar” Chairman Kamal Chayyah, and its Executive Director Rania Al-Sabaayon; Mr. Ziad Abdel Samad; and LPDC’s Political and Legal Advisor Dr. Ali Mrad.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Dimechkie reviewed the history of efforts to address the Palestinian refugee issue in Lebanon. He noted that the Lebanese State and LPDC currently have an opportunity to achieve meaningful progress and stressed that this opportunity should not be missed.

He also emphasized the need to move beyond producing studies and proposals towards building the political support necessary for their adoption, while clearly identifying priorities and engaging the relevant decision-makers.

The participants stressed the importance of developing a roadmap for the next phase.