In a statement by the Lebanese Interior and Municipalities Minister, Nuhad al-Mashnouq’s media bureau on Saturday, it warned Syrian refugees against entering Syria effective Sunday, under risk of losing their refugee status.

In a statement by the Lebanese Interior and Municipalities Minister, Nuhad al-Mashnouq's media bureau on Saturday, it warned Syrian refugees against entering Syria effective Sunday, under risk of losing their refugee status.

"In process of regulating the entry and exit of Syrian nationals into Lebanese territories, all displaced Syrians registered with the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) are to refrain from entering into Syria as of 1/6/2014, under penalty of losing their status as refugees in Lebanon," the statement stressed.

"The Interior Ministry hopes for compliance with this measure for the safety of displaced Syrians in Lebanon, as well as preserving Lebanon's security and the relationship between displaced Syrians-Lebanese citizens in preventing any friction or mutual provocation," the statement added.

This decision comes three days before Syria is to witness presidential elections, what raises questions about its political dimensions and intentions.