Macron pledges 100 million euros in aid for Lebanon

France will provide 100 million euros in aid to the Lebanese government. Immediate and massive support is needed for the Lebanese people,' President Emmanuel Macron said in his opening speech at an international conference in Paris, according to AP. Several world leaders will meet there on Thursday (24 October) to discuss the ongoing war in Lebanon. 

Macron announced funding for an additional six thousand soldiers for the Lebanese army. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati had previously said he wanted to recruit and train more soldiers, but that this would require financial support.

The French government hopes to raise a total of €395 million at the conference. This is the amount of humanitarian aid that the United Nations says is needed to deal with the crisis in Lebanon. Italy (€10 million) and Germany (€60 million) announced earlier this week that they would increase their support for the Lebanese people.

Source: commonspace.eu with AP and agencies

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
High level U.S. talks with Europeans on ending the Russia-Ukraine war

High level U.S. talks with Europeans on ending the Russia-Ukraine war

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump’s special envoy, is travelling to Paris for talks with European allies on U.S. efforts to negotiate a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. The State Department said Rubio and Witkoff would be in the French capital Thursday for the meetings. The officials will have “talks with European counterparts to advance President Trump’s goal to end the Russia-Ukraine war and stop the bloodshed,” department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said in a statement on Wednesday.

Popular

Editor's choice
News
High level U.S. talks with Europeans on ending the Russia-Ukraine war

High level U.S. talks with Europeans on ending the Russia-Ukraine war

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump’s special envoy, is travelling to Paris for talks with European allies on U.S. efforts to negotiate a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. The State Department said Rubio and Witkoff would be in the French capital Thursday for the meetings. The officials will have “talks with European counterparts to advance President Trump’s goal to end the Russia-Ukraine war and stop the bloodshed,” department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said in a statement on Wednesday.