Spanish FM Declares €10 Million Aid for Lebanese Armed Forces
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Synopsis
On January 16, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares Bueno announced a significant donation of 10 million euros to the Lebanese Armed Forces, aimed at enhancing military support, stability, and humanitarian efforts in Lebanon. This commitment follows recent discussions between Spanish and Lebanese leaders regarding the urgent need for reconstruction and peace in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Spain will donate 10 million euros to the Lebanese Armed Forces.
- The funds will aid in salaries and logistics for the military.
- Spain condemns violence against civilians.
- Support for Lebanon's reconstruction is a priority.
- Ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel needs to be solidified.
Beirut, Jan 16 (NationPress) Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares Bueno has proclaimed that Spain will provide 10 million euros to the Lebanese Armed Forces. This declaration came following his meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at Baabda Palace in Beirut, as reported by the Lebanese presidency.
The visiting minister indicated that Spain will persist in its support for Lebanon, focusing on enhancing stability and facilitating humanitarian efforts, particularly through military assistance and participation in the UN Interim Force in Lebanon, according to Xinhua news agency.
The allocated 10 million euros will be directed towards covering salaries and providing logistical support for the military.
Bueno condemned all acts of violence against civilians and infrastructure, advocating for the deployment of the Lebanese army south of the Litani River to ensure the safety of both Lebanese and Israeli citizens.
Moreover, he expressed Spain's commitment to aiding in the reconstruction of Lebanon, which is recovering from a recent 14-month conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
The Spanish diplomat also invited Aoun to visit Spain.
In December, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez welcomed his Lebanese counterpart Najib Mikati in Madrid to discuss critical issues affecting Lebanon and the Middle East.
During this meeting, the focus was on Lebanon's tumultuous situation, occurring shortly after the ceasefire agreement with Israel and the recent developments in Syria.
Both leaders underscored the significance of transforming the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel into a sustained peace, which would enable the complete implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. They emphasized the necessity of permanently ending hostilities to promote regional stability.
Sanchez reiterated Spain's ongoing support for Lebanon and assured Mikati of Spain's involvement in reconstruction initiatives, vital for the safe return of displaced individuals to their homes.
Additionally, they highlighted the importance of a structured political transition that upholds Syria's territorial integrity, agreeing that a secure and peaceful Syria is crucial for the broader region's welfare, especially for Lebanon.
