FORT BREGANCON (FRANCE) – The office of French President Emmanuel Macron said world powers have pledged to contribute aid worth 253 million euros (229 million pounds) for immediate humanitarian relief for blast-hit Lebanon during a conference held on Sunday.
The president’s office said the aid does not depend on commitments such as political or institutional reforms. However, long-term support would depend on changes, said the Elysee Palace.
A massive blast rocked the capital, Beirut, killing 158 people and destroying vast sections of the city on Tuesday.
World powers have demanded transparency over how the international aid is being utilised. There are also concerns over the growing influence of Iran through the Shiite rebels Hezbollah.
The “assistance should be timely, sufficient and consistent with the needs of the Lebanese people … and directly delivered to the Lebanese population, with utmost efficiency and transparency,” the communique from the French President’s office said.
Macron hosted the video conference and urged the nations to put aside their differences and support the Lebanese.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
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