International Conference Raises $370 Million in Aid for Lebanon
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The countries participating in the France-organized international aid conference for Lebanon were able to raise $370 million amid calls for the formation of a new government.
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French President Emmanuel Macron
The international aid conference for Lebanon, which was organized by France and the United Kingdom held Wednesday, pledged to donate $370 million in aid to Lebanon.
The participants reiterated their calls for "forming a government whose mission is to save the country." They also expressed concerns over the judicial delay occurring in Lebanon regarding the horrific Beirut Blast that shook the country's capital on this day last year.
The August 4th conference was held as the Lebanese were commemorating the first anniversary of the blast that caused grave human and material losses in the crisis-stricken country.
In turn, French President Emmanuel Macron revealed the possibility of taking measures against Lebanese political leaders who are "playing a negative role in the country." He also stated that no funds would be allocated to the "Lebanese regime."
"I think that Lebanese leaders owe their people the truth and transparency," Macron added.
The French president promised French donations close to 100 million euros, which is around $118 million, and a donation of 500,000 COVID-19 vaccines.
Moreover, earlier today, United States President Joe Biden announced that his country would be providing Lebanon with "about $100 million in new humanitarian assistance," calling on Lebanese political officials to "reform the economy and combating corruption."
"But no amount of outside assistance will ever be enough if Lebanon's leaders do not commit to do the hard but necessary work of reforming the economy and combating corruption," he added.
