Posted on 08/21/2006 9:04:06 AM PDT by Marius3188
President George W Bush has announced that the US is to boost its aid package to Lebanon to $230m.
The money would be used to help rebuild Lebanese homes and infrastructure, he told reporters at the White House.
He also called for the quick deployment of a peacekeeping force for Lebanon. "The need is urgent," he said.
The international community must designate the leadership of the force and give it a "robust mandate" as soon as possible, he said.
A UN resolution calls for 15,000 troops to uphold the week-old ceasefire.
Mr Bush said he hoped France would send more peacekeeping troops to Lebanon.
Paris had been expected to provide the bulk of the troops for the force, but has so far offered only 200, saying it needed more information on the force's mandate.
The US president said the US would do its part - giving help with logistical support, intelligence and command and control, although it is not contributing troops.
The aid package, which adds to a previous pledge of $50m (£26m), includes 25,000 tonnes of wheat, $42m (£22m) to help equip the Lebanese army, and assistance in clearing an oil slick from a bombed power station.
UN talks
Mr Bush's comments come as a senior UN envoy is due to meet Israeli government ministers a day after warning that the situation in Lebanon could slide back into violence.
Terje Roed-Larsen is expected to discuss Israel's ongoing air and sea embargo, which he has called "unhelpful".
He warned in Beirut at the weekend that any violations of the week-old ceasefire could lead quickly to "violence and bloodshed".
The issue of prisoner exchanges as well as the air-and-sea embargo are likely to be on the agenda during talks with Israel's foreign minister, defence minister and army chief of staff.
"We are at the tilting edge still," Mr Roed-Larsen warned on Sunday. "This can easily start sliding again and lead us quickly into the abyss of violence and bloodshed."
He also described as "not very helpful" Israel's raid in the Bekaa Valley on Saturday, according to Lebanon's leading Arabic-language An-Nahar newspaper.
Israel said it was trying to disrupt weapons supplies from Iran and Syria to Hezbollah, and insisted the truce was holding.
Israeli complaints
Meanwhile, hundreds of Israeli army reservists are protesting over the authorities' handling of the conflict.
They say the army leadership was indecisive and poorly prepared, and they suffered shortages in equipment, food and water.
They are gathering outside the offices of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to call for a thorough investigation into their complaints.
Israel has said it supports Italy taking charge of a strengthened UN peacekeeping force that will join the Lebanese army in policing the truce in southern Lebanon.
Italy has already won the backing of Lebanon, whose cabinet is expected to approve the initiative.
Mr Olmert's office has rejected the participation of nations that have no diplomatic relations with Israel. This would include Indonesia, Malaysia and Bangladesh, which have all offered troops for the force.
The Israeli prime minister also ruled out a call by Israeli Public Security Minister Avi Dichter to resume peace talks with Syria.
"When Syria stops support for terror... then we will be happy to negotiate with them," he said on a tour of areas in northern Israel damaged in the conflict.
I have a better idea. Send $230 million in smart bombs and guided missiles to Israel. Round 2 is coming up.
Should I make the check directly out to Hezbollah?
This won't make us any more popular around the planet, since we're 'to blame' in the first place [/Dem b.s.]
[mattdono shakes head] At this point, I just have no idea what planet I'm on anymore.
You betcha, Little Ray.
Sending dough to Lebanon for any purpose is like taking it out in front of the White House and burning it. No matter how much $ we send, those folks still hate us.
Really. I just dont get this. I dont want them to have one thin dime or penny for that matter. They created the conditions under which the Hezbos attacked.
"[mattdono shakes head] At this point, I just have no idea what planet I'm on anymore."
You and me both. It's madness.
Why do we have to be involved in this give away project?
You were off by $20 Mil.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1685083/posts?page=27#27
Tijeras_Slim here, citizen of CHUMP Nation. :(
What???? Same old games I see.
I am sure the President is way ahead of you on this and had devised ways to prohibit any of this US from ending up in the hands of Hezbollah.
Not one penny until Hezbolla is disarmed!!!
That's the only thing they like about us is our money.
The Hez's were giving away reams of newly printed $100 bills the other day. Hot off their presses or N. Korea's...
I second that!
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