DUBAI: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Tuesday urged the international community to lift sanctions on Syria.

This would revitalize Syria鈥檚 economy and create the necessary conditions for the return of displaced Syrians to their home country, he said.

In a meeting with a delegation from the Middle East Institute in Washington, led by retired US Gen. Joseph Votel, Aoun said that Lebanon has reached its limit in hosting the large number of displaced people residing in the country.

He added that the political and security conditions that once justified the presence of displaced people in Lebanon have significantly changed, making their return both possible and essential.

鈥淲e are committed to the return of these displaced persons to their country,鈥� Aoun said, adding that many now remain in Lebanon purely as 鈥渆conomic migrants.鈥�

He described the return of refugees as a humanitarian necessity and crucial for Lebanon鈥檚 long-term stability.

The Lebanese president said that removing sanctions on Syria would revitalize the country鈥檚 economy and create the necessary conditions for Syrian refugees to return.

This would help alleviate the pressures Lebanon faces, both economically and in terms of its strained infrastructure and resources, he said.

Aoun also called on Washington to support Lebanon鈥檚 security institutions, particularly the army, which he described as urgently needing assistance to maintain national stability and carry out its responsibilities under UN Resolution 1701.

On the broader issue of Lebanon鈥檚 economic recovery, Aoun discussed the reforms being carried out in the country.

Lebanon鈥檚 political unity and the consistent implementation of reforms are critical for restoring the country鈥檚 economic and financial health, he said.

鈥淲e must remain focused on the reform process, as only through internal unity and consistent progress will we be able to gain back the trust of the international community, and attract much-needed support,鈥� Aoun added.