Damascus – Action Group
The Board of Directors of the General Authority for Palestinian Arab Refugees (GAPAAR) held a meeting at its headquarters in Damascus, during which it received Dr. Ahmed Abu Holi, a member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Head of the Refugee Affairs Department, and Dr. Samir Al-Rifai, the Ambassador of the State of Palestine to the Syrian Arab Republic.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Ahmed Kayed Abdul Hamid, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Authority, and a number of members and assistants of the Board. The attendees discussed the situation of Palestinian refugees in Syria and ways to develop the services provided to them and enhance coordination between the Palestinian and Syrian sides.
The participants stressed the importance of continued cooperation between the General Authority and the PLO to ensure a decent life for Palestinian refugees in Syria and to strengthen their steadfastness until their return to their homes in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions, foremost among which is Resolution No. (194) regarding the right of return and compensation.
The two sides stressed their rejection of resettlement and alternative homeland projects, affirming that Palestinian refugees in Syria will remain guests until their return to their homeland. Dr. Abu Holi and Dr. Al-Rifai also expressed their appreciation for the position of the Syrian Arab Republic, its leadership and people, in supporting the Palestinian cause and its equality between Palestinian refugees and Syrian citizens in rights and duties.
For his part, Dr. Ahmed Kayed Abdel Hamid explained that the Authority is working to develop legislation and legal projects to guarantee the interests of refugees and their rights to ownership, work, and a decent living.
The two parties also agreed on the importance of continuing the role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), and rejecting any attempts to reduce its tasks or transfer its powers.
They pointed to the need to enhance its educational, health, and relief services to Palestinian refugees in Syria. The meeting concluded with an emphasis on continuing coordination between the General Authority for Palestinian Arab Refugees and the Palestine Liberation Organization, and intensifying joint efforts to improve the conditions of refugees and support their steadfastness in the various Palestinian camps in Syria.