| Press Statement U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Washington, DC August 30, 2006 U.S. Provides Humanitarian Assistance in LebanonThe World Food Programme will utilize these commodities through October, 2006 in its regional emergency operation, which has provided food to an estimated 380,000 people in Lebanon and over 150,000 Lebanese displaced as they returned to Lebanon from Syria after the cessation of hostilities. The lentils are scheduled to arrive in Lebanon next week. “We are very grateful for this donation that is very timely to support our relief operation in Lebanon”, stated Mats Persson, Officer in Charge, World Food Programme. Funding for this contribution is part of the U.S. Government's commitment of $230 million for humanitarian, reconstruction and security assistance to Lebanon announced by President Bush on August 21, 2006. For more information on the U.S. Government's humanitarian efforts in the region, please visit USAID's website at: http://www.usaid.gov/locations/asia_near_east/middle_east/ |
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Today, the United States Government, through the Agency for International Development (USAID), contributed 300 metric tons of lentils to the World Food Programme for immediate transport to Lebanon. The U.S. contribution comes from its pre-positioned stockpile in Dubai and will be used to respond to the immediate food needs of those affected by the conflict. U.S. Ambassador to the UAE Michele J. Sison stated, “In announcing reconstruction work in Lebanon, President Bush has said, ‘Our nation is wasting no time in helping the people of Lebanon…America will send more aid to support humanitarian and reconstruction work in Lebanon, for a total of more than $230 million.’ The food supplies from the stockpile in Dubai is part of the disaster relief that will help the Lebanese people rebuild their homes and return to their towns and communities.”