The issue of the return of displaced persons from Lebanon to Syria has seen some progress, although the number of people who have left or are preparing to leave is very small compared to the total number of Syrian refugees, which amount to around 1.5 million distributed throughout Lebanon since 2011. In a recent television appearance, “Hezbollah” Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah announced the formation of a party committee to facilitate the return of those wishing to go back to their country. He noted that the committee will be formed of several popular sub-committees located in different areas to communicate with the displaced. Nasrallah explained that “Hezbollah’s” decision to intervene in this file was due to “the presence of certain complications that have so far hindered a political solution to the issue” between Beirut and Damascus. Sources close to “Hezbollah” said that logistics work would begin next week, adding that the first office would be opened in the eastern Bekaa town of Baalbek to receive requests for displaced people wishing to return to their homeland. In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, the sources emphasized that the party has decided to benefit from its relations with the Syrian regime to deal with the crisis. “The regime is responsive with us to the highest degree. We will first facilitate the return of those whose areas were not destroyed and later work on the return of the rest of the displaced,” they added. More than 2,500 displaced people are currently in the northeastern town of Arsal on the Syrian border, preparing to leave for their towns and villages in the coming days, after 295 people crossed the border on Thursday. Rima Karnabi, deputy mayor of Arsal, confirmed that the 3,000 people, who had previously registered with the Syrian special committees that coordinate the return process with the Syrian regime have been granted approval for their departure, which will take place in batches. According to available information, the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) has completed the preparation of a clear vision and plan to resolve the crisis of displaced persons and facilitate their return them to Syria. The movement, headed by Foreign Minister Jebran Bassil, is waiting for the formation of the new government to submit its plan for approval. Bassil has long demanded that the refugees return to their homeland due to the burden their presence is having on Lebanon.