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Germany to support Lebanon in Syrian refugees issue

Xinhua, March 19, 2015 Adjust font size:

Visiting German Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Gerhard Mueller pledged to boost assistance to help the refugees in Lebanon displaced by the ongoing war in Syria, the National News Agency (NNA) reported on Thursday.

Following his meeting with Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam, Mueller confirmed his country's support to Lebanon in dealing with "the grave problems" which resulted from the displaced Syrians' issue, praising the efforts of the Lebanese cabinet and people in this field.

"The main target is to end fighting in Syria. However, we present all support and aid to the neighboring countries -- Jordan, Turkey and mainly Lebanon -- to overcome the problem of the big number of the displaced Syrians," he said.

Muller revealed that Germany offered about 850 million euros (906 million dollars) during the past three years for this purpose, of which 250 million euros (267 million dollars) were for Lebanon.

He added that Germany would discuss in Kuwait in cooperation with international organizations the regional support of 52 million euros (55 million dollars) to Lebanon to be used in infrastructure field.

Kuwait will host the third conference for international donors on March 29.

According to the United Nations Higher Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), Lebanon hosts more than 1.2 million Syrians displaced from their home country due to the ongoing military uprising against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Lebanon has repeatedly complained that it cannot handle the burden of the refugees on its own, and called on the international community to fulfill its pledges for financial aid. Endit