Few days before his arrival to Beirut, Gianni Pittella, President of the Group of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament, spoke to ‘Al Anbaa’ about his expectations from the conference to be held in Lebanon under the title: “Working together to address the refugee crisis: a progressive roadmap for EU-MENA cooperation”.

He highlighted his positions regarding developments unfolding in the Arab world, the Syrian war, the refugee crisis, and Lebanon.

1. What are your expectations regarding the upcoming conference in Beirut?

This gathering of progressive political forces is of fundamental importance. As a political family we firmly believe that the solution to this crisis and to the roots of the crisis should be based on solidarity, the defence of human rights and our shared responsibility to host and shelter refugees. Lebanon, as one of the country which has been most affected by the refugees crisis, is providing an example of humanity and responsibility to the world; playing a key role in the region which has been plagued by tensions and conflicts for many years, yet still managing to host and integrate refugees.

2. There are immense political and diplomatic discussions regarding the Syrian crisis nowadays, do you believe a political solution is imminent?

What is required, and what the S&Ds are calling for, is an international alliance of the key players; made up of the USA, Russia, the EU, Iran, Turkey and the Gulf States; fully involved in finding a solution to the crisis. A solution that could fight the global threat we face in the form of Daesh and create the conditions for a credible political transition in Syria. Assad should play no role in the future of Syria.

3. How do you see Europe will confront the migration crisis in the near future?

Europe has been silent for too long. Finally, Europe has committed to a binding mechanism to relocate refugees throughout EU member states, to improving the situation for the EU and non-EU states worst affected by this crisis and to setting up hotspots for the registration and the relocation of asylum seekers. The EU has also reinforced its efforts to return those migrants who are not entitled to international protection.

4. Lebanon hosts almost 1.5 million Syrian refugees on its territories. How can your party and Europe, in general, help support Lebanon overcome this enormous pressure?

Europe is one the major donors to Lebanon, in an effort to help alleviate the burden they face as we understand that it is very difficult for a single country to guarantee social, educational and health rights to refugees. Without a lasting peace in Palestine and Israel and a solution to the crisis in Syria, it is hard to envisage the return of refugees to their own country. The political effort invested by Europe in this regard could be crucial in speeding up both processes.

5. What are your expectations regarding the rising violence in the Arab region especially in Palestine which remains under occupation?

The occupation of Palestine is completely unacceptable. Young Palestinians, joining the new Intifada, belong to the Oslo generation who have been betrayed time and time again by empty promises. The only option is a Two State solution, with Israel and Palestine living together in peace and security along the recognised 1967 borders. We must combat both Israeli and Palestinian extremists: the real enemies of the peace process.