International Conference on Lebanon raises $1Bln

One billion dollars has been raised for Lebanon and its army at the International Conference in Support of Lebanon’s People and Sovereignty held in Paris, French diplomacy announced on Thursday.

“In the face of the war’s toll, participants responded to the United Nations’ appeal and announced $1 billion in aid, including $800 million in humanitarian aid and $200 million to support Lebanon’s security forces,” the French Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a statement. This aid will help meet the urgent needs of the Lebanese population, namely displaced persons, in the health, food, water, hygiene and sanitation, and education sectors.

the conference, held at initiative of French President Emmanuel Macron, sought to mobilize the international community to meet the emergency relief needs of the Lebanese population, and to identify ways of supporting the country’s institutions, in particular the Lebanese Armed Forces.

This International Conference on Lebanon provided “additional support for the Lebanese security forces, guarantors of the unity, stability and sovereignty of this country”, according to the statement.

“This support, both financial and in kind, should enable them to preserve civil peace, and to prepare for a massive deployment of the Lebanese army in the south within the framework of a diplomatic settlement,” it added.

the conference brought together Lebanon’s partner States, the United Nations, the European Union and international, regional and civil society organizations.