BEIRUT: The United States announced an additional $103.8 million in humanitarian aid for Lebanon to help the country cope with the impact of the Syrian crisis, while France has contributed 7 million euros to the International Support Group for Lebanon Fund.
On a visit to the Turkish capital Ankara, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry announced nearly $500 million for people and countries hit by Syria's civil war, including $250 million to assist refugees and host communities in the neighboring countries affected by the crisis.
The U.S. Embassy said that Lebanon would receive $103.8 million. With this donation, Washington will have contributed $588.8 million to help Lebanon with the refugee crisis since 2012.
Meanwhile, Paris contributed 7 million euros to an international fund established a year ago to help the country deal with the burden of hosting more than 1.2 million Syrian refugees.
“Today, France proceeded with the signing of administrative papers with the World Bank allowing the transfer of 7 million euros to the fund,” a French Embassy statement said.
“By contributing to the trust, France wishes to stress its constant commitment on Lebanon’s side and engagement to aid this country during period of great difficulties."
France was the third country to donate to the fund since it was launched in September 2013, following Norway and Finland.
The statement said Paris would continue mobilizing its friends and partners in the international community to contribute to the International Support Group for Lebanon at their next meeting to be held on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly on Sept. 26.
Unlimited support for Lebanon’s security and humanitarian needs to deal with the Syrian refugee crisis was also pledged by EU Ambassador Angelina Eichhorst, who led a delegation of EU envoys at a meeting with Prime Minister Tammam Salam.
Eichhorst said the envoys reaffirmed EU support to the Lebanese government as the country passed through a decisive phase full of challenges caused by the raging conflict in Syria, including hosting over 1.3 million Syrian refugees, the largest refugee community worldwide.
She said EU members states deplored the “terrorist attacks” that took place recent weeks in Arsal, on Lebanon’s eastern border with Syria, and pledged full backing to the Lebanese Army and Internal Security Forces.
Eichhorst pointed out that EU countries have provided financial assistance to Lebanon worth 2 billion euros in the form of donations and loans.
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