President Macron: France will allocate 100 million Euros as direct support to the Lebanese in education, food and health aid, in addition to providing 500,000 COVID-19 vaccines

President Macron affirms his appreciation to President Aoun as a freedom fighter

UN Deputy Secretary General: This conference constitutes a unique opportunity to provide more urgent assistance to the Lebanese to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe

President Biden announces that the US will provide humanitarian aid worth 100 million US Dollars, asserts that foreign aid wouldn’t be enough if Lebanese leaders didn’t commit to reforms and fighting corruption

King Abdullah: We cannot wait and see the Lebanese approaching the abyss, Coordinated international assistance is required

President Al-Sisi: This meeting is a message to Lebanese officials that once a government is formed, we can move from humanitarian aid to real economic aid

Kuwaiti Prime Minister: The international community cannot continueto help without Lebanon taking a united and solidarity step

Premier Al-Kazemi: We renew our commitment to provide all requiredrapid assistance in terms of food and oil…We will continue to exert our efforts by providing medical and food aid, in addition to fuel to operate electric power stations

EU President: International assistance depends on a tangible development in the reforms required to emerge this crisis

IMF Director: Lebanon will receive 860 million $ in assistance to meet the urgent needs of the Lebanese

Trudeau: Canada will give 20 million USD as aid for Lebanon

British Foreign Secretary: Lebanese officials must reveal the reality of the explosion, secure the holding of parliamentary elections, and not waste time waiting for this maturity in order to form a capable and effective government to implement reforms

UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation: Lebanon must distance itself from regional conflicts, divisions and polarization policies

Spanish Foreign Minister calls on all Lebanese parties to support the Prime Minister-designate in accelerating the formation of the government through the spirit of settlement

Saudi Foreign Minister: “Lebanon’s future depends on restoring its sovereignty”

Italian Foreign Minister: We are concerned with the deteriorating economic and financial conditions of the Lebanese military and security forces, and we will continue to support them

German Foreign Minister confirms that his country will add 40 million Euros to the value of the aid it provided last August

Le Drian announces aid worth 370 million Euros, and more than 357 million US Dollars allocated for next year

Le Drian sends a message to officials warning them “Lebanon is in danger”

Brazil supports Lebanon with 4 thousand tons of rice, continue cooperation in several fields facing the repercussions of the explosion

Switzerland supports Lebanon with 20 million Swiss Francs, calls for the fast formation of a government

EU Investment Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development express full readiness to help Lebanon

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NNA – The Conference for Supporting Lebanon and the Lebanese started in Paris at 1:00pm today with French President, Emmanuel Macron’s speech. President Macron stressed that “Holding this conference aims to take practical steps to help the Lebanese” Macron said, noting that “In the coming months, France will allocate an amount of 100 million Euros as direct support to the Lebanese people, dispersed in the sectors of education, food and health aid, in addition to providing 500,000 COVID-19 vaccines, through the month of August”.

President Macron also pointed out that France will contribute to the reconstruction of the Beirut Port, especially through emergency assistance which will be provided to maintain its activities.

In addition, the French President stressed that this aid will be directly and transparently directed to NGOs, and through UN channels, considering that “The Lebanese crisis is the result of individual and collective failure and unjustified actions, and as a result of mistakes which occurred against public interest”. Macron stressed that all the political class contributed to the exacerbation of the crisis when they placed personal interests above the interests of the Lebanese.

Moreover, President Macron addressed President Aoun and stressed the appreciation he has for him as a freedom fighter, calling on him to form a new government and find the necessary settlement, while implementing the paper which was agreed upon a year ago. Macron stated that the urgent priority now is to form a government which can take exceptional measures, in the service of the Lebanese.

“We have been able to take strict measures against the personalities involved in corruption and political obstruction in Lebanon, and we have established with our European partners a special system of sanctions for the sake of Lebanon. Officials should not doubt our determination to implement these sanctions” Macron said.

UN Deputy Secretary-General:

Then, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mrs. Amina Mohammed, confirmed, on behalf of Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the international community’s support for the Lebanese people, extending condolences to the Lebanese for the victims of the explosion, calling for a transparent investigation.

Mrs. Mohammed pointed out that Lebanon is experiencing one of the most terrible crises at the economic, educational, infrastructure and other levels, and the need of the Lebanese is exacerbating while the Lebanese are still suffering from a government deadlock for nearly a year.

“We are waiting for Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati to form a government quickly, because the Lebanese deserve the establishment of strong institutions which seek to save the country, and to an administration that achieves stability and growth, and invests in the capabilities of the Lebanese youth” Mrs. Mohammed said.

“The conference today aims to provide urgent aid to the Lebanese people, in light of the fact that more than half of the Lebanese are below the poverty line, and to secure safe drinking water and other requirements of daily life, in addition to the suffering of refugees and displaced persons, in addition to the difficult health situation as well. The United Nations, like other countries, supports the Lebanese people in the difficulties they are facing, and works in coordination with non-governmental organizations to meet some needs, praising the remarkable activity of these associations and the Lebanese youth” the Deputy Secretary General continued.

After reviewing the aid that the United Nations has secured since the explosion in the port until today at various levels, to help Lebanon rise and rebuild the basic infrastructure that has been destroyed, Mrs. Amina Mohammed stressed that this conference constitutes a unique opportunity to provide more urgent assistance to the Lebanese to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe.

There is a need to develop an emergency plan to respond to the necessary needs of the neediest, but this assistance will not suffice unless projects and plans for sustainable development, continuity in the future, and the establishment of a fast social protection service system for economic reform, transparency, judicial independence and the fight against corruption” Mrs. Mohammed added.

“I renewed the commitment of the UN to provide all support to Lebanon and its people” Mrs. Mohammed concluded.

US President:

For his part, US President Joe Biden affirmed everyone’s solidarity in order to save Lebanon after the terrible explosion which afflicted it a year ago.

President Biden pointed to the additional suffering of the Lebanese people during the past year as a result of the political and economic crises which could have been avoided.

“The United States is proud of the assistance it provided to Lebanon for a long time, and I have visited this country several times and it is wonderful. I announced humanitarian aid from the United States in the amount of 100 million dollars, in addition to approximately 560 million dollars provided by Washington in humanitarian aid during the past years. I call on my counterparts in all countries to strengthen their support for the Lebanese people, but all this foreign aid will not be enough, if the Lebanese leaders do not commit to doing the difficult but necessary work to carry out economic reforms and combat corruption” President Biden said.

“A government must be formed quickly, to work on the priority of putting Lebanon on the path to recovery, and if the Lebanese leaders choose this option, they will find the United States at their side in every step to build a promising and stronger future for the Lebanese. There is no time to waste” the US President continued.

“We are here to help you if you stick to your commitments” President Biden concluded.

Jordanian King:

Jordanian King Abdullah II Bin Al-Hussein drew attention to the repercussions of the explosion and its dire consequences on Lebanon and the world. King Abdullah considered that the Lebanese crisis is worsening day after day on multi-levels, especially in basic life matters. “Without coordinated international assistance, this crisis would transcend the Lebanese borders to reach the entire region. Aid must reflect positively on the Lebanese, and must be distributed fairly, and the coordination which will allow us to meet the needs faster and more effectively”.

We cannot wait and see the Lebanese approaching the abyss. We must provide humanitarian, health and food aid, and we must not forget that the Lebanese also host refugees.

King Abdullah stressed the importance of Lebanese institutions and called for stability and the support of the security forces, which would allow securing the needs of the Lebanese in this difficult situation.

“I hope that countries will be able to unite their efforts to send a message to the Lebanese that they are in their heart and conscience and are not forgotten in this difficult circumstance” King Abdullah concluded.

President Al-Sisi:

Then, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi stressed the importance of this meeting to help the Lebanese face the difficulties which have multiplied in all sectors of life, which are also reflected in the situation of the region as a whole.

“Egypt hopes to find solutions during this meeting to help the brotherly Lebanese people” Al-Sisi said, recalling the assistance provided by Cairo since the explosion last year, and quickly on multiple levels.

The Egyptian president indicated that the economic crisis in Lebanon is exacerbated by the political void which the country is experiencing, and Egypt demands once again that this vacuum be filled and corrected to prevent Lebanon from entering into a vortex in which everyone will fall. “The Lebanese deserve the establishment of a responsible government that prioritizes the interests of the country. A government free of sectarianism and politics, capable of facing current challenges, protecting the sovereignty of the people, and gaining international confidence and recognition” Al-Sisi said.

“Egypt has exerted several efforts, since August 4, 2020, to contribute to solving the political crises, due to its relations with various Lebanese officials. Contacts are still ongoing and coordination is in place with other friendly countries in order to reach a solution that suits the Lebanese. Egypt once again calls on all countries in the region to move away from the policy of taking sides, and to make efforts to overcome the crisis that does not benefit anyone. Egypt is ready to provide its support to all parties” President Al-Sisi continued.

“This meeting is a message to all Lebanese leaders and officials, that as soon as a government which inspires confidence is formed, we can move from humanitarian aid to real economic aid, and then the picture of the future of the Lebanese people may become clear” Al-Sisi added.

The Egyptian President concluded that “For Egypt, Lebanon has always been a source of openness, brilliance and Arab culture. Lebanon enjoys the capabilities which qualify it to get out of this crisis and move on forward”.

World Health Organization:

WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adanon Gebrezos, referred in his speech to the efforts exerted by the World Health Organization with a group of international and local organizations to prevent the collapse of the health system in Lebanon, especially that half of the Lebanese people live below the poverty line in light of poor health care. Gebrezos stated health problems located in Lebanon.

Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development:

Secretary-General of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, Mathias Corman, called for the need to provide urgent aid to Lebanon, and to establish a framework that allows transparency and accountability for the delivery of this aid.

Corman also pointed out that the organization can help Lebanon to carry out the required reforms and anti-corruption measures.

Danish Foreign Policy Minister:

The Danish Minister of Foreign Policy, Jesper Muller Sorensen, called on the Lebanese officials to assume their responsibilities in facing the crisis which the country is witnessing, and to form a government capable of carrying out necessary reforms and achieving stability.

Kuwaiti Prime Minister:

Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah said “Our participation in the conference is to emphasize that Lebanon and the Lebanese are a priority for all of us. Kuwait seeks to promote dialogue between the various Lebanese parties to reach solutions”.

Sheikh Al-Sabah called for the need to reach a political, economic and judicial balance in Lebanon, and to find solutions to the current economic crisis, stressing everyone’s readiness to help Lebanon recover from the effects of this explosion. “Kuwait provided additional assistance worth $30 million to repair and construct the charades, and medical and food aid was also provided via air bridge, in addition to many aids in many fields and fields, and on the issue of Syrian refugees.

“Lebanon has reached a crossroad. We must do everything to help it overcome this ordeal, but it is important that the Lebanese find solutions themselves, because the international community cannot continue to help without Lebanon taking a united and solidarity step” Al-Sabah concluded.

Sweden’s Minister for International Development:

The Swedish Minister of State for International Development, Janine Alm Ericson, indicated that Sweden is contributing 12 million Euros in aid for Lebanon this year.

“We hope for the rapid formation of a democratic credible government, which is capable of achieving required reforms” Minister Ericson stated.

Minister of State at the Slovakian Foreign Affairs Ministry:

Slovakian Minister of State, Ingrid Prokova, saw that Lebanon’s long term recovery requires the achievement of essential reforms. Prokova called for the formation of a government which works to achieve the interests of Lebanon and the reform of the Lebanese economy.

Undersecretary of the Omani Foreign Affairs Ministry, for Diplomatic Affairs:

Sheikh Khalifa Bin Ali Al Harthy, asserted Oman’s permanent support for Lebanon in confronting difficulties, and hoped that Lebanon will be able to overcome the effects of this current crisis.

Iraqi Prime Minister:

Iraqi Premier, Mustafa Al-Kazemi, considered that the tragedy of the Beirut Port explosion united the Lebanese. “We are meeting today in order to discuss how to confront the challenges which face the Lebanese. This prompts us to reaffirm our stand with the Lebanese people to help them overcome this explosion, each from his position. Iraq support the efforts made to halt the political and economic crisis which Lebanon is currently witnessing” Al-Kazemi said.

“Lebanese political leaders must assume their responsibilities in consolidating the stability of Lebanon, preserving Lebanese unity and international friendship ties. This issue in itself constitutes a response to the aspirations of the Lebanese people, through carrying out necessary reforms in order to extricate the country from the difficult conditions in which Lebanon currently lives in” Al-Kazemi continued.

Premier Al-Kazemi also pointed out that the solution remains possible thanks to the wisdom of the Lebanese.

“We are fully confident that the Lebanese people will emerge victorious from these challenges with a more solid determination. Iraq calls for the help of the Lebanese people, especially in overcoming the economic situation. It is imperative that a road map be drawn up for this, and what is required is that Lebanon help itself by itself. I would like to stress that Iraq is doing everything it can to strengthen Lebanon’s security and stability” Al-Kazemi continued.

Al-Kazemi finally stressed that Iraq “Renews its commitment to provide all required rapid assistance in terms of food and oil. We will continue to exert our efforts by providing medical and food aid and fuel to operate electric power plants, and we are doing this because it is our duty towards our brothers who are in suffering”.

EU President:

European Union President Charles Michel said: “It is unfortunate that the Lebanese authorities, so far, have not managed to reveal any light regarding the cause of the tragic tragedy of the port explosion. The families of the victims and the Lebanese people are still waiting for answers. We urge the concerned Lebanese authorities to proceed with the investigations to reach the desired conclusions, to find out who is behind this explosion”.

Michel revealed that the EU has so far allocated 170 million euros for direct assistance to the Lebanese, in cooperation with the United Nations and the World Bank. Michel also stated that what is required of the international community is to support sustainable and equitable growth for Lebanon, pointing out that “It is time for Lebanon to form a government in the required speed, and to hold elections on time”.

In addition, Michel stressed that international assistance depends on a tangible development in the reforms required to get out of the crisis.

“For a long time, Lebanon has been a model for living together in peace and a source of inspiration for the region and the world, and the Lebanese people can rely on the European commitment, and the responsibility is required by the Lebanese officials themselves. The Lebanese people have the right to have leaders who take responsibility and play their role to the fullest, for Lebanon to rise again” Michel concluded.

IMF:

The Director-General of the International Monetary Fund, Christalina Georgiev, considered that “Since our first meeting, parts of the capital Beirut have been reconstructed, and there was hope that this tragedy would entail political, economic and social reforms. Unfortunately, this did not happen”.

While reviewing the difficult economic conditions of Lebanon, Georgiev indicated that Lebanon will receive aid worth 860 million dollars to meet the urgent needs of the Lebanese people.

Georgiev also stressed the need to form a government which undertakes the tasks of carrying out the reforms required to revive the economy, considering that “The energy sector is the most accurate in this context, and there must be more transparency along with in-depth financial reforms to restore confidence in the country, restructure the banking sector and protect small depositors”.

Georgiev concluded saying “O wonderful Lebanese people, we stand by you, and we look forward to forming a government, to join everyone in working to put an end to the tragedy that Lebanon has been experiencing since the explosion that occurred a year ago”.

World Bank President:

President of the World Bank, David Malpass said “We are together to help Lebanon emerge this humanitarian crisis which it experiences. Lebanon is in need of a government which emphasizes transparency, human rights and an accountability system which tackles all institutions”.

Malpass referred to the assistance provided by the World Bank, and said that “It is urgent that Lebanon undertakes a radical and rapid reform in the electricity sector”.

Canadian Prime Minister:

Canadian Premier, Justin Trudeau expressed his country’s commitment to all means to assist the Lebanese in facing this tragedy.

Trudeau said that “Despite the aid provided by Canada since 2016, and the subsequent aid following the explosion, there are still many Lebanese who are suffering from very difficult conditions. The economic crisis is still continuing and has become worse with the health crisis due to Corona virus”.

The Canadian Premier also announced that Canada will grant Lebanon, in addition to the previous aid, an aid worth 20 million US Dollars through the financial fund established by the World Bank in cooperation with the UN and the EU.

Regarding the August 4 explosion, Trudeau saw the need for a thorough and impartial investigation to hold those responsible for this disaster accountable and to renew the commitment towards the Lebanese people to carry out the necessary and essential reforms in all fields to secure a prosperous and stable future.

Premier Trudeau also considered that these reforms can only be carried out with the participation of the Lebanese people, congratulating the civil society and everyone working to reach a democratic society. Trudeau also pointed out that as an international community they will always be on the side of the people in these difficult times.

Josie Borrell:

Higher Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs, Jose Borrell, indicated that the EU is still waiting for the results of investigations into the explosion of Beirut Port and to know the causes of this disaster.

Australian Development Minister:

Australian International and Pacific Development Minister, Zdenko Siselja, announced his country’s continuation of providing support to Lebanon as it has been for a long time, affirming their stand by the Lebanese people.

Siselja called for a new government to implement necessary reforms, stressing the strong ties which bind the two countries. Siselja also pointed out that there are more than 230,00 Australians of Lebanese origin, in addition to the residence of about 20,000 in Lebanon.

The Australian Minister also reviewed the assistance provided to Lebanon since the explosion and afterwards, declaring his expectation to continue providing assistance through non-governmental organizations and other organizations to provide aid to the Lebanese.

British Foreign Minister:

British Foreign Minister, Dominic Raab, announced that Britain demands a transparent investigation, since a year has passed and justice hasn’t been achieved. “The Lebanese people deserve better than that. The resigned government must abide by its promises to bring investigations to an end and let the guilty bear responsibilities” Raab said.

Raab also stressed the continuation of assisting the Lebanese army and security forces to provide security and stability in Lebanon and to fight terrorism. “The Premier Designate must satisfy the families of victims by revealing the truth of the explosion, and ensuring holding parliamentary elections” Raab continued.

Minister Raab also stressed the readiness of the international community to provide support and assistance in the event that Lebanese officials adhere to this path, pointing out that “In the event that this path is not adhered to, the friends of Lebanon should search for a way to stop corruption and meet the interests of the people, and this is our commitment”.

Spanish Foreign Minister:

Spanish Foreign Minister, Jose Manuel Alvarez, indicated that today’s conference is a message of hope for the Lebanese, calling on all Lebanese parties to support Premier designate, Najib Mikati, in expediting the formation of the government, through the spirit of settlement, “Because once the government is formed, it will increase commitments and strengthen talks with the IMF to implement a program of reforms which will stabilize the economy”.

Alvarez also announced the continuation of the Spanish support to Lebanon in all fields, more than one million euros in medical aid in 2022, and the readiness for further cooperation with the “New Lebanon” that will emerge from this tragedy.

Finnish Foreign Minister:

Finnish Foreign Minister, Boca Haavisto, expressed his country’s desire for Lebanon to start implementing the necessary reforms in order to move on the path to overcoming the crises it is experiencing, and for its people to enjoy comfort and stability, calling on the political forces to work towards this end.

Haavisto also reiterated Finland’s willingness and desire to continue supporting Lebanon and its people.

Croatian Foreign Minister:

Croatian Foreign Minister, Gordan Radman, indicated that it is necessary to work in Lebanon to impose serious reforms, stressing that his country will continue to provide assistance to the Lebanese people, as happened after the explosion on August 4, 2020.

Radman announced Croatia’s cooperation with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in rehabilitating the Karantina area, which had suffered damage due to the explosion.

Belgium’s Cooperation and Development Minister:

Minister of Cooperation and Development in charge of major cities in Belgium, Myriam Ketter, announced her country’s concern about the exacerbation of crises and tribulations in Lebanon, which now requires the formation of a new government capable of breaking the stalemate that Lebanon is experiencing in order to move towards a new stage and a prosperous future, and to carry out the necessary and required reforms.

UAE’s Minister of State:

Minister of State for International Cooperation in the UAE, Reem Al-Hashemi, stressed the importance of the international community’s stand by Lebanon, and the necessity that the Lebanese do their part to get out of this difficult crisis, and for Lebanon to regain the confidence of the international community, and to distance itself from regional conflicts, divisions and the policy of polarization.

Al-Hashemi also expressed her UAE’s commitment to providing aid to the Lebanese people.

Norwegian Foreign Affairs Minister:

The Norwegian Foreign Affairs Minister, Mary Ericson Soreed, stressed that the Beirut explosion, took place while Lebanon passes through a very deep crisis “And since about a year until today, Lebanon has been without a government and without knowing the causes of the explosion”.

The Norwegian Minister emphasized that Norway is a key partner in helping the Lebanese and revealed that they have sent more than 50 million Euros in aid to Lebanon last year.

Noting that the problem of the displaced Syrians is exacerbating Lebanon’s problems, she also clarified that Norway supports Lebanon’s efforts to accommodate these displaced persons, and has also sent immediate in-kind aid, humanitarian, food and medical, to Lebanon after the explosion.

“We are concerned with the deep crisis which Lebanon is going through, which we do not see so far as positive. It is imperative that quick decisions be taken aiming to solve this crisis. Norway is interested in providing aid to the most needy and weak in the Lebanese society. We call for the immediate formation of a reliable government which meets the urgent needs of the Lebanese through accurate reforms. We will continue our support for Lebanon’s stability and security” the Norwegian Minister concluded.

Netherlands Foreign Affairs Minister:

The Dutch Foreign Affairs Minister, Sigrid Kaag, indicated that the real change in the current Lebanese situation is in the hands of the Lebanese political leaders.

Kaag also asserted Dutch support for the sanctions path against those who obstruct democratic work and are characterized by corruption, considering that the majority of the Lebanese, live below poverty line.

Kaag also expressed her country’s readiness to continue supporting Lebanon in addition to providing assistance in rebuilding the Beirut Port, given the maritime experience enjoyed by the Netherlands.

“However, these initiatives depend on the extent of Lebanese leaders’ willingness to work to get their country out of this crisis, and to assume their responsibilities in forming a transparent government, which debuts necessary reforms” Kaag concluded.

German Foreign Minister:

The Foreign Minister of Germany, Heiko Maas, said “I can never forget the horror of destruction and tears in the faces of the Lebanese whom I met last year when I visited Beirut after the explosion”. Maas noted that Germany is always ready to help Lebanon, thanks to the friendship which binds the two peoples together, stating that Germany will add 40 million Euros to the value of aid it provided last August.

Minister Maas also revealed the sum of 30 million Euros which were donated as humanitarian aid, in addition to what Germany provided through UNICEF, and the WHO, to help Lebanon confront COVID-19.

Maas stressed the need to carry out the required reforms, “Without which sustainable growth cannot be achieved. Let me be frank, that this crisis is human-made, as the Lebanese political leaders have not risen to the level of their responsibilities, nor to the level of the legitimate aspirations of the Lebanese people”.

Minister Maas asserted that any future assistance and support will remain linked to the formation of an effective and legitimate government which carries out radical reforms which the World Bank has always referred to.

“All political forces must unite behind achieving these goals now. There is no time to waste, international aid depends on this matter, and Lebanon’s future and stability are linked to it” Maas concluded.

Greek Foreign Minister:

Greek Foreign Minister, Nikos Dendias, indicated that his country stood side by side with the Lebanese people, immediately after the tragedy occurred last year, by providing in-kind aid and contributions to reconstruction.

In addition, Dendias stressed the need to expedite the formation of an effective government in Lebanon in order to maintain its stability, working to restore sustainable growth to it, calling for “A government which is credible, capable of accountability, and that undertakes the required reforms”.

Dendias also pointed out that his country, “Given its experience in facing financial crises, is able and ready to provide any assistance to Lebanon in this regard”.

Minister Dendias concluded by emphasizing that it is urgent to continue supporting and assisting the Lebanese people, and working to rebuild what was destroyed.

Italian Foreign Minister:

Italian Foreign Minister, Luigi Di Maio, affirmed that Italy will continue its continuous support to restore Lebanon’s vitality, stressing his country’s active role in coordinating international humanitarian aid to Lebanon, as it provided about 8 million euros for this aid alone.

Minister Di Maio pointed out that Italy affirmed its immediate and effective solidarity with Lebanon since the explosion, both financially and through technical expertise, in addition to laying the foundations for the restoration and preservation of Beirut’s cultural heritage.

The Italian Foreign Minister also reviewed the projects financed by his country and the assistance it has provided for years, considering that “Lebanon’s stability is key to the stability of the region. We are also concerned with the deterioration of the economic and financial conditions of the Lebanese Army and security forces, and we will continue to support them, in addition to our support for Lebanon’s stability through our participation in the UNIFIL forces”.

Di Maio concluded that this international aid alone is not enough, and that “A government must be formed to carry out reforms immediately. I seize the opportunity to call on all Lebanese parties to form a government”.

Cypriot Foreign Minister:

Cyprus’s Foreign Minister, Nikos Christodoulides, confirmed that his country rushed immediately after the explosion to meet Lebanon’s needs as much as it could, revealing that the civil society in Cyprus also moved to help the Lebanese people, “Particularly to help rebuild schools that were damaged, in addition to coordinating aid with United Nations organizations”.

Minister Christodoulides called on the international community “To continue providing aid, but this is not enough for us to assure the Lebanese people that we stand by them in their legitimate right to justice and accountability”.

Christodoulides also pointed out that Cyprus is committed to Lebanon’s sovereignty and stability, stressing the necessity of carrying out the required and necessary reforms, and the necessity of forming a “Universal and reliable government, without delay, as a key to obtaining international aid, for the benefit of Lebanon from its repression”.

KSA Foreign Minister:

Saudi Foreign Minister, Faisal Bin Farhan, asserted that “KSA has always expressed full solidarity with the Lebanese, especially since the Taif Accord, which ended the civil war and returned peace to Lebanon. KSA has provided aid worth more than 1 billion USD to Lebanon during the past years”.

Bin Farhan affirmed the Saudi aid to Lebanon, and pointed out that “Lebanon is facing a crisis in forming an effective government, and the insistence of a group to impose its hegemony”.

Minister Bin Farhan also stressed the need to combat corruption and carry out the necessary reforms, and said that Lebanon’s future depends on restoring its sovereignty, regretting that the investigations into the port explosion did not reach any results.

Bin Farhan concluded by praising the efforts made by France to support the international community for Lebanon and its people, and said “We repeat that this support must be accompanied by real reforms, otherwise we fear that any assistance will be meaningless”.

Brazilian Deputy Foreign Minister:

Brazilian Deputy Foreign Minister, Kenneth Nobrega, indicated Brazil’s continued commitment to helping the Lebanese community to overcome the crises and difficulties it is facing, announcing that next October the first batch of aid, which is 4,000 tons of rice, will arrive in Beirut. Nobrega also

announced his country’s intention to provide material assistance to fight COVID-19 in Lebanon.

Swiss Minister of State:

Swiss Minister of State in the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Livia Lo, discussed the aid provided by Switzerland to Lebanon, stressing that Switzerland’s support for the Lebanese people is continuous.

Minister Lo revealed the Swiss intention to grant 20 million Swiss francs this year to the most needy people through UN organizations, civil society and direct aid, pointing out that “Despite the aid provided during the past year, we must realize that international aid will not be the only solution to Lebanon’s problems. It was the message conveyed by our Prime Minister Ignacio Cassis during his visit to Beirut last April”.

Lo added “Lebanon urgently needs an effective government that is credible and reliable, committed to honesty and carrying out the necessary and essential reforms to get the country out of its urgent crises”.

Lo concluded stressing Switzerland’s solidarity with the Lebanese people and its aspiration for the reforms that must be carried out in the interest of the Lebanese people.

Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs:

Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi, addressed what the State of Qatar had offered to Lebanon in the past period, and stressed his country’s continued support for Lebanon and the Lebanese people.

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development:

The Vice-President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Pierre Heilbronn, spoke, referring to the assistance provided by the Bank to Lebanon in several aspects, and stressed the need to form a government capable of achieving reforms, with the support of the World

Bank, “Which would allow the economic recovery and reconstruction of the country”.

Civil Society:

George Choucair, from civil society, spoke about the impact of the explosion on the situation in Lebanon, and the moves that civil society takes to confront the repercussions of the explosion, including making many films that deal with this issue and its tragic consequences.

Choucair affirmed the determination to continue despite all difficult circumstances, each in his field and within his capabilities, stressing that culture is an integral part of the confrontation to overcome crises.

Marietta Avram also spoke, thanking all those who supported the civil society organizations to stand in the face of the challenges and crises that Lebanon suffers from, presenting the material, cultural and educational difficulties, and the necessity of limiting them, calling for international solidarity to protect educational continuity in Lebanon.

Arab League:

The Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ambassador Hossam Zaki, delivered the Arab League’s speech, presenting the difficult conditions that Lebanon is experiencing on more than one level. Zaki called for the establishment of a government of specialists and technocrats, with clear powers and popular support to implement reforms, pointing out that the League wants the new government to be formed soon, after a long time of procrastination.

In addition, Zaki accused the political class and some leaders of caring more about their own interests than the welfare of their country and the fate of their people, and urged them to assume their responsibilities and communicate with each other with good intentions to break the vicious cycle, “As it is the last chance perhaps before reaching the stage of instability and chaos of institutions”.

Finally, Zaki announced that the League urges the United Nations and the participants to try to help the Lebanese prevent the collapse of two main sectors, namely education and health.

Chinese Ambassador:

Chinese ambassador to Lebanon, Qian Minjian, expressed his country’s welcome to the designated Premier, Najib Mikati, to form a government, and its hope that all Lebanese parties would work in a good spirit and strengthen dialogue to form a government as soon as possible.

Minjian tackled the assistance provided by China to Lebanon, and expressed his country’s readiness to enhance cooperation between the two countries in all fields, including the fields of health, reconstruction and security stability and maintaining calm on the borders.

Russian Charge D’Affairs:

Then the Chargé d’Affairs at the Russian Embassy in France, Alexander Ziziulin, spoke, and welcomed all international aid to Lebanon, reiterating the importance of a government capable of taking appropriate decisions to overcome crises, and that enjoys the support of all Lebanese groups.

Ziziulin also expressed Russia’s support for helping Lebanon at all levels, while respecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Conference Conclusion:

At the end, the UN Deputy Secretary-General, drew attention to the importance of this event, and renewed the international community’s support for the Lebanese people.

French Foreign Minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, presented the work France has done to secure international aid to Lebanon, and the great efforts made by the

United Nations to put this aid into practice and effectively deliver it to those who deserve it, in a country that suffers from all kinds of difficulties.

Le Drian pointed out that the aid has reached more than 370 million euros, and more than 357 million dollars have been allocated for the next year. Le Drian also revealed that these donations will contribute to securing the basic needs of the Lebanese.

In addition, Minister Le Drian pointed out that “The direct aid that is secured to the Lebanese people is not, in any way, a substitute for the responsibilities of the Lebanese authorities, which must take the necessary steps to overcome crises, including the formation of an effective and viable government, the start of negotiations to implement the International Monetary Fund program and the implementation of initial reforms, namely in the banking sector, the energy sector and others”.

Moreover, the French Foreign Minister pointed out that “France and the European Union had put pressure on officials in Lebanon to abide by their pledges in this field, but the Lebanese authorities should allow the Lebanese to express themselves in a democratic way in the upcoming elections in 2022, and the next government should ensure that these elections are held transparently”.

Finally, Le Drian addressed the Lebanese officials by saying that the future of Lebanon is in danger.

Source: National News Agency