Municipalities of Bsharri District from Maarab: Strict measures to regulate the displaced persons file and safeguard local security

Meeting of Bsharri District municipalities in Maarab: Emphasis on regulating the displaced persons file and protecting stability

As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen coordination and cooperation among municipalities, MP Strida Geagea held a meeting in Maarab attended by former MP Joseph Ishak, President of the Union of Municipalities of Bsharri District Elie Makhlouf, and the district’s municipal heads: Joe Kerouz - Bsharri, Carlos Ishak - Hadchit, Jrar Al-Samaani - Hasroun, Rachid Maroun - Bqarkasha, Rami Bou Faraa - Bzaoun, Simon Abdel Massih - Hadath El Jebbeh, Antoine Saadeh - Qnat, Nabil Bou Nasr - Abdin, Robert Maqsoud - Tourza, and Rabih Dib - Barhlion. The meeting was devoted to discussing developments related to the displaced persons file and its repercussions on the security and social situation in the region, especially following the painful incidents witnessed in areas considered safe, such as Hazmieh, the Maronite Project in Ain Saadeh, and Beirut.

Those gathered stressed the need to handle this file with “the utmost seriousness and responsibility,” out of concern for protecting the towns and their residents and preventing any consequences that may result from laxity or unregulated handling, affirming that the current phase “can no longer tolerate leniency or risk-taking.”

In this context, a set of key measures was emphasized, most notably:

• Regulating entry into the towns by activating the role of the municipal police

• Tightening oversight of house rentals and organizing them in accordance with legal procedures

• Strengthening coordination between municipalities and the relevant agencies to ensure stability

Those present also pointed out that these measures do not target any humanitarian group, but rather fall within the framework of a legitimate preventive stance whose primary aim is to protect the local community and preserve its security.

In her remarks, MP Geagea stressed that “the safety of my people in Bsharri District remains above all else,” calling for a balanced approach that combines the humanitarian dimension with security requirements in a way that preserves everyone’s dignity and prevents any potential threat.

At the conclusion of the meeting, it was agreed to continue coordination among the municipalities and to take unified practical steps in the coming phase that will be translated on the ground.