segunda-feira, 18 de abril de 2016

French President leaves Lebanon with a promise of help from million Syrian refugees

The French President, Francois Hollande, held this Sunday its second and last day of visit to Lebanon.

Hollande went to a Syrian refugee camp in Dalhamiyé, the Eastern Bekaa Valley, where he spoke with two families who soon will find asylum in France.

On Saturday, barely arrived in Beirut, the French President promised to help Lebanon cope with the influx of refugees.

"I decided that France should work beside you. French aid to the refugees in Lebanon will be increased to 50 million euros this year and 100 million euros over the next three years, "said Francois Hollande.

The French Head of State also committed itself to an "immediate help to strengthen military capabilities of Lebanon" and the jihadist threat, especially the Group Islamic State, which has claimed responsibility for attacks in the country.

The aid, which comes after Saudi Arabia suspend a donation of 1000 2.2 million euros, will allow Lebanese authorities acquire French military equipment.

Sunday morning, the French President met with the Patriarch Beshara al-Rai, head of the powerful Maronite Christian Church, and also met with Muslim religious leaders.

Before flying to Egypt, where he holds the first State visit since 2012, Francois Hollande took part in a military ceremony with French members of the UN peacekeeping force stat ioned in Lebanon.

If You Enjoyed This, Take 5 Seconds To Share It