Derbas: International Support for Lebanon Should be Translated into Tangible Aid

Social Affairs Minister Rashid Derbas stressed the importance of a functioning cabinet that would be able to tackle the international aid presented to Lebanon in its efforts to support Syrian refugees, reported al-Joumhouria newspaper on Friday.

He told the daily: “The international backing that Lebanon received from the International Support Group in New York should be translated into tangible aid.”

“The support for Lebanon does not stem from the West's sympathy for the country, but the looming danger against Europe,” he added.

“Lebanon therefore has to present tangible proposals and be ready to accept aid,” the minister stated.

“This obligates cabinet to be in a constant state of readiness and session, not obstruction, which would cost us aid opportunities,” Derbas said.

The International Support Group for Lebanon convened in New York on Wednesday, expressing “deep concern over the 16-month vacancy in the Presidency of the Republic,” saying it “seriously impairs Lebanon’s ability to address the security, economic, social and humanitarian challenges facing the country.”

The conferees acknowledged “the extraordinary effort Lebanon continues to undertake in hosting 1.1 million registered refugees from Syria.”

The Group stressed, however, that “if strong international support is to contribute effectively to sustained stability, it must be paralleled by determined action by Lebanon’s leaders to resolve the political stalemate.”

The meeting was chaired by U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon and saw the participation of Salam, China, France, Russia, Britain, the U.S., Germany, Italy, the European Union, and the Arab League.

Lebanon is sheltering more than 1.5 million displaced Syrians, who amount to one third of its population.