$10-$12 billion sought
from Syria conference

Hariri: “We need investments

or refugees must go”

The international community will be asked to invest $10-$12 billion in the local market over the next seven years, Prime Minister Saad Hariri told France24. The plea will be made tomorrow at the European Union’s Brussels Conference on Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region.

Hariri said: “It is not our exclusive responsibility for assuming the consequences of refugees. If the international community does not invest with us, we will have to take measures to see how these refugees could find another place for refuge,” he said.

Special infrastructure projects are initially required to protect the host community.

“We know our capacities and needs. I think it will serve the best interests of the citizens if we build bridges, universities, and hospitals, and strengthen electricity and telecommunication,” he said.

He said: “The international community must understand that we want to provide services to Syrians, but we don’t have enough resources to welcome so many of them.”