The Ministry of Interior on Saturday warned Syrian refugees that they must not travel to their country as of June 1, saying that otherwise their will lose their status as refugees. The ministry announced in a released statement that Syrians and those registered with the UNHCR “must refrain from entering Syria as of June 1, 2014.” "Or else, they will lose their status as refugees in Lebanon,” it stressed.

The statement urged abiding by this decision to preserve “the safety of refugees,” noting that all concerned border authorities will be notified of this measure through the General Security. The Ministry of Interior explained: “We are keen on security in Lebanon and on the refugees' relationships with Lebanese citizens in areas where they are residing.”

And this measure was taken “to prevent any provocation,” it elaborated, asking the United Nations and the civil society's organizations which are concerned with Syrians' status in Lebanon to “assume their responsibilities in this matter, inform refugees of the ministry's decision, and to give this issue the utmost importance.” Saturday's decision comes three days before Syria is to witness the first presidential elections since the eruption of the ravaging civil war that has torn the country in the past three years. [Link]