BEIRUT: U.S. Ambassador Elizabeth Richard Thursday announced an addition $36 million of aid for Syrian refugees and the Lebanese host community, directed through the U.N agencies and NGOs.
“I am very happy to announce that we have just made an additional contribution of $36 million to provide for the humanitarian needs of refugees and Lebanese host communities here in Lebanon,” Richard said in her first interview in the local media, appearing on Lebanese television channel LBCI.
The $36 million is the latest package of assistance from the U.S. who have provided millions in humanitarian, development, and military help to Lebanon in recent years.
The money would go to “U.N. agencies and NGOs who are serving both refugees and the Lebanese,” the ambassador said. She added that the aid would focus on three key areas: providing health care for poor children, basic primary care and health vaccinations, as well as water and sanitation projects – particularly infrastructure. She said the water and sanitation projects were a focus as they “benefit the whole community.”
The ambassador also stressed that her country supported the return of Syrian refugees to their country “when conditions permit.” In the meantime, she said support would continue to be provided for refugees and host communities “to survive, to thrive, [and] to educate the children.”
Talking about the local situation, the new ambassador refused to be drawn into questions about the ongoing political battle but highlighted the continuing and generous help that Lebanon receives from the U.S for both supporting refugees and other issues.
Richard took office in May this year, replacing David Hale who served in the position between Sept. 2013 and Oct. 2015.
“I am very happy to announce that we have just made an additional contribution of $36 million to provide for the humanitarian needs of refugees and Lebanese host communities here in Lebanon,” Richard said in her first interview in the local media, appearing on Lebanese television channel LBCI.
The $36 million is the latest package of assistance from the U.S. who have provided millions in humanitarian, development, and military help to Lebanon in recent years.
The money would go to “U.N. agencies and NGOs who are serving both refugees and the Lebanese,” the ambassador said. She added that the aid would focus on three key areas: providing health care for poor children, basic primary care and health vaccinations, as well as water and sanitation projects – particularly infrastructure. She said the water and sanitation projects were a focus as they “benefit the whole community.”
The ambassador also stressed that her country supported the return of Syrian refugees to their country “when conditions permit.” In the meantime, she said support would continue to be provided for refugees and host communities “to survive, to thrive, [and] to educate the children.”
Talking about the local situation, the new ambassador refused to be drawn into questions about the ongoing political battle but highlighted the continuing and generous help that Lebanon receives from the U.S for both supporting refugees and other issues.
Richard took office in May this year, replacing David Hale who served in the position between Sept. 2013 and Oct. 2015.
Source & Link : The Daily Star
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