Beirut: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun urged the European Union on Thursday to support Lebanon by organizing a European-Arab conference aimed at rebuilding the nation. In a meeting with a European delegation in Beirut, Aoun requested the EU to lift any sanctions on Lebanon and initiate efforts to convene a conference to aid in the country's reconstruction and economic revival. He emphasized the necessity of achieving full security and military sovereignty as part of this process.

According to Anadolu Agency, Aoun also appealed for assistance in reclaiming Lebanese territories and extending state sovereignty over them, along with launching a comprehensive initiative to bolster the Lebanese army. He cautioned that the absence of military presence could lead to security instability in the region. Aoun confirmed Lebanon's progress in implementing reforms required by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

On the topic of Syrian refugees, Aoun noted that Lebanon has carried a significant burden for over a decade. He stressed that stabilizing conditions in Syria requires facilitating a safe and coordinated return of refugees, as Lebanon can no longer sustain their prolonged presence. Aoun suggested that international support for refugees should be redirected to Syrian territory.

European Ambassador Sandra De Waele reaffirmed the European Union's commitment to maintaining an active presence and support in Lebanon. Several European ambassadors highlighted that the EU has allocated roughly 100 million euros to assist returning refugees, with 88 million euros already secured. The funds will also support programs within Syria to strengthen the local economy and promote stability.

The Syrian refugee population in Lebanon is estimated to be around 1.5 million, with approximately 758,000 individuals registered with the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) by the end of 2024, though Lebanese government figures suggest the actual number is considerably higher.