Minister announces additional €2million assistance for Lebanon

Mr. Noel Treacy, T.D., Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, has announced an additional €2 million in assistance for Lebanon.

Speaking at the International Conference on Lebanon, which is being chaired by President Chirac in Paris today (25 January), Minister Treacy emphasised the Government’s strong support for the sovereignty and independence of Lebanon and for the welfare of the Lebanese people.

Today’s announcement brings to over €5 million the total package of Ireland’s funding for humanitarian assistance, recovery and reconstruction, following the crisis of last summer.

In his statement to the Conference, the Minister expressed support for the Government of Lebanese Prime Minister, Fouad Siniora and stressed that the current political tensions in Lebanon can only be addressed through national political dialogue.

Emphasising the need for urgent movement towards a comprehensive settlement in the region, he stated:

“The only viable way forward for the Lebanese people is through a concerted international effort to ensure the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701”.

He added that “the participation of a 150 strong Irish contingent in the strengthened UNIFIL mission is a testimony to Ireland’s active commitment to UN peacekeeping and the Lebanese people”.

ENDS +++

25 January 2007

Press Office