Beirut, Lebanon – Lebanese Finance Minister Yassin Jaber stressed that Lebanon needs a permanent cessation of hostilities and a return to sustainable stability, emphasizing that fragile
and temporary truces are insufficient to achieve security or support the country’s economic and social recovery.
This came during the launch by the Lebanese government, in cooperation with the European Union, Denmark,
and France through the French Development Agency, of a €32 million program to support conflict-affected areas in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley.
Call for coordinated international support
Jaber stated that the current challenges require a flexible and rapid international partnership that goes beyond traditional aid.
He emphasized that Lebanon needs strong and coordinated support
to help maintain social cohesion and respond to urgent humanitarian needs.
He added that Lebanon’s resilience is still being tested, but resilience alone is no longer sufficient.
He noted that timely and coordinated international support can move the country
from crisis management to recovery, reform, and renewed hope.
A program to support recovery in the South and the Bekaa Valley
A statement issued by the European Union explained that the program was originally developed following the ceasefire in November 2014,
before being adapted to the current situation in Lebanon, with the aim of supporting national institutions
and strengthening preparedness for the recovery phase.
The statement indicated that the program will support the response to urgent needs on the ground,
in addition to strengthening the capacities of local authorities and helping economic
and agricultural institutions to resume their activities and provide job opportunities for the most affected groups.
Broad European and international participation
The launch ceremony, held at the Grand Serail, was attended by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam
and a number of European officials and diplomats,
including representatives from the European Union, France, and Denmark.
The EU, French, and Danish officials affirmed their commitment to continuing
their support for Lebanon in addressing its economic and humanitarian crises,
while emphasizing the importance of implementing reforms and strengthening
the role of Lebanese institutions in leading recovery and stability efforts.
