Lebanon blocks UNHCR residency permits over Syria refugee spat

Beirut (AFP) – Lebanon has accused the United Nations refugee agency of intimidating refugees to prevent their return to Syria and on Friday blocked residency applications for the agency’s staff.

“Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Gebran Bassil issued instructions… to stop the requests for residency presented to the ministry and inside it for the UNHCR in Lebanon until further notice,” a statement said.