Saudi Arabia’s changed approach toward Syria shows that it is no longer possible for Arab countries to engage with the Bashar al-Assad government in Damascus based on old mechanisms.

A second batch of Syrian refugees returns to their homeland with the help of Lebanese security forces.

Lebanese President Michel Aoun denounces “suspicious” international efforts to keep Syrian refugees in Lebanon, stating that Beirut will press ahead with its plan to repatriate displaced Syrians to their home country.

The head of Lebanon's General Security agency says the international community has failed to facilitate the repatriation of thousands of Syrian refugees to their homeland.

While Turkey has announced plans for the repatriation of around one million Syrian refugees to their homeland, refugee experts warn that the present security conditions in the conflict-ridden Arab country are not conducive for the asylum seekers to rebuild their lives.

Moscow and Damascus criticize the West over its "sheer hypocrisy", saying it is heavily investing in terrorist plots against the Arab country.

The joint meeting of the Syrian–Russian ministerial coordination committees on the return of Syrian refugees is held in Damascus.