Meeting with the Prime Minister… The Chairman Presented the Key Objectives Guiding the Committee’s Work in the Coming Phase

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam received at the Grand Serail the head of the Lebanese-Palestinian Dialogue Committee, Ambassador Ramez Dimechkie. During the meeting, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the principles of his government’s ministerial statement, particularly the rejection of permanent settlement, the commitment to the right of return according to UN Resolution 194, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on its land. He also emphasized the Lebanese state’s right and duty to exercise full authority over all its territories and the importance of ensuring the dignity and humanitarian rights of Palestinian refugees within the framework of the state and its institutions.

Ambassador Dimechkie presented an overview of the committee’s general directions for the upcoming phase, based on the full respect of Lebanese sovereignty over all Lebanese territories, including Palestinian camps and gatherings. The approach aims to build a unified national policy on Palestinian refugee issues, rejecting naturalization, addressing all camp-related matters—including security issues and, foremost, the matter of Palestinian weapons—in a way that strengthens stability, civil peace, and the respect of the human rights of Palestinian refugees residing in Lebanon.

He further outlined the key objectives guiding the committee’s work in the coming period, notably:

• Continuing to work on issues outlined in the “Unified Lebanese Vision for Palestinian Refugee Issues” issued in 2017, in alignment with political, social, and field developments at both the Lebanese and regional levels.
• Addressing pressures and developments related to the financial crisis of UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East), and the corresponding coordination and support required from the Lebanese state.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Prime Minister Salam wished Ambassador Dimechkie success in his new role, stressing the importance of the committee playing an active role in approaching the Palestinian refugee file with realism and national responsibility, in a manner that reinforces sovereignty, stability, and serves Lebanon’s highest interests as well as the relations between the two peoples.