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Macron Pledges $118.6 Million to Lebanon One Year After Beirut Blast
Posted
August 4, 2021
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1:19Now PlayingFrench President Emmanuel Macron was critical of Lebanese leaders on Wednesday as he opened a virtual international conference aimed at raising hundreds of millions of dollars in aid to meet the country's humanitarian needs, one year after the massive explosion at Beirut's port.
France will provide 100 millions euros ($118.6 million) in the coming months, Macron said in his opening remarks.
About 40 heads of state and government, diplomats and heads of international organizations are taking part in the conference, according to Macron's office.
Participants include U.S. President Joe Biden, Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, King Abdullah II of Jordan and European Council President Charles Michel.
A French official, speaking anonymously in accordance with the presidency's customary practices, said international donors seek to meet the country's current humanitarian needs estimated by the UN to at least $357 million.
Macron said Lebanese politicians have placed individual priorities over that of the population.
"Lebanese leaders seem to opt for the deterioration (of the situation). I regret it. I think it's an historical and moral error," Macron said.
Since 2018, they have not met deadlines, he added.
"Lebanon deserves better than living from international solidarity and it depends on you," Macron said.
Macron stressed that humanitarian aid promised on Wednesday will be unconditional, but he warned there won't be a "blank cheque" for the Lebanese political system which is "defaulting".
The event is also meant to mount pressure on Lebanese leaders so that they form a new government able to implement reforms and start rebuilding the country.
Lebanon is going through the worst economic and financial crisis of its modern history, and a political stalemate that has kept the country without a functioning government for a full year.
Macron, who went to Beirut twice since the explosion at the port, has led international efforts to try to help the former French protectorate via providing emergency aid.
Last year's conference on Lebanon, organized in the wake of the explosion, raised about 280 million euros ($332 million).
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