NEW YORK — In an interview with Al-Monitor, Lebanese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Gebran Bassil focused on the challenges of providing shelter and support for more than 2 million refugees, who now make up almost 50% of Lebanon’s population, and called on the international community to do more. He noted that “Lebanon cannot be the only one receiving refugees. We can give humanitarian assistance to people in need, but not be a political recipient for the problems of Syria.”

In response to a question about Lebanon’s presidential vacancy and its impact on the management of the crisis in Syria, Bassil said, “With a good, strong president, you can have the real decision to fight terrorism and to put Lebanon at the heart of the battle.” He added, “All the problems coming from Syria can be stopped at the Lebanese border if the country is being ruled and directed by a strong president.”

The text of the interview follows:

Al-Monitor:  When we last spoke in March, following your address to the UN Security Council on the dire situation of minorities in the Middle East, you said that a "real political will" for the protection of minorities has not been demonstrated. Has any progress been made since March?