Paris conference on Lebanon raises $1 billion for humanitarian aid

(CLO) An international conference in Paris has raised $1 billion in humanitarian aid and security support pledges to help Lebanon, a country currently embroiled in a war between Israel and Hezbollah militants.

"Together we have raised $800 million in humanitarian aid and $200 million for security forces, which is about $1 billion," French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said in his closing remarks on October 24. The Paris conference brought together more than 70 countries and international organizations.

French President Emmanuel Macron has called on participants to bring “massive aid” to support Lebanon, as France has pledged $100 million. “We are ready to face the challenge,” Mr. Barrot said. The United States has pledged about $300 million, he added.

Germany has pledged a total of €96 million in humanitarian aid to both Lebanon and neighboring Syria, which has also been deeply affected by the escalating violence in the Middle East. This week, Italy announced an additional €10 million in aid for Lebanon.

French President Emmanuel Macron and Lebanese Acting Prime Minister Najib Mikati during an international conference on Lebanon in Paris, October 24. Photo: AP

Previously, the United Nations estimated the urgent humanitarian needs in Lebanon at $426 million.

However, experts warn that delivering aid could be challenging because of Lebanon's informality and growing reliance on a cash economy , which increases the risk of corruption and lack of transparency.

The Paris conference also aims to coordinate international support to bolster Lebanese armed forces deployed in the south of the country, as part of a potential deal to end the conflict. Such a deal could see Hezbollah withdraw from the border.

Mr Macron said this support for the Lebanese army included "healthcare assistance, fuel, small equipment, as well as plans to recruit at least 6,000 additional soldiers and allow the deployment of at least 8,000 more soldiers in the south".

Paris is also seeking to help restore Lebanon's sovereignty and strengthen its institutions. The country has been without a president for two years while political factions have failed to agree on a new one.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called on Lebanon's leaders to "act decisively to ensure the normal functioning of state institutions to respond to the country's urgent political and security challenges".

At the conference on October 24, Lebanese acting Prime Minister Najib Mikati called on the international community to take action. "The devastating impact of the war on Lebanon has left a trail of destruction and suffering. The Israeli attack has not only caused great pain and loss of life, but also serious damage to the country's infrastructure, economy and social fabric," Mikati said.

Conference participants also discussed how to support the 10,500-strong United Nations peacekeeping mission (UNIFIL), a third of which comes from European countries including France, Italy and Spain.

An Italian diplomat said the country had more than 1,000 troops in UNIFIL and was pushing to increase its peacekeeping force to "be able to face the new situation" on the ground.

Ngoc Anh (according to AP)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/hoi-nghi-paris-ve-lebanon-gay-quy-duoc-1-ty-usd-ho-tro-nhan-dao-va-an-ninh-post318414.html