Bush pledges help for Beirut at 'Paris II'

The Daily Star ^ | November 19 2002

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President George W. Bush pledged Monday to support the Lebanese government in its struggle to reverse its economic misfortunes, despite Beirut-Washington rifts over US Middle East policies.

Bush told Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, during a White House meeting, that Undersecretary of State for Near East Affairs William Burns will represent the United States at the “Paris II” conference for international donors dedicated to helping Lebanon out of the financial doldrums.

Burns will attend the conference this weekend in his capacity as the highest official in the US administration dealing directly with the Middle East. In answer to a question on Hizbullah, Hariri said the likelihood of military operations between Hizbullah and Israel if the United States attacks Iraq was on the mind of US leaders.

“But in reality, we are now at the stage of arms inspections not at a war stage,” Hariri said.

Asked whether he relayed a message to America from Syria, Hariri said “no.”

[knighthawk]

It's Syria's puppet-state, let them pay!

[knighthawk]

Ping

[knighthawk]

http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/021119/2002111911.html

Europe ratifies aid for Syria and lebanon
Regional-European Union, Economics, 11/19/2002

In a statement, the European Commission announced yesterday it has ratified an aid program at a value of 18 million EURO for Syria and Lebanon for the year 2002.

The Lebanese government will get an aid of a value of 12 million EURO in order " improve its capacity to implement the Association Agreement between the EU and Lebanon signed in June 2002." This agreement states to found a free trade exchange zone between the EU and Lebanon, as stated in Brussels.

The other 6 million EURO are dedicated to renovate the industrial sector in Syria. The said aid program concentrates on developing a "clear industrial strategy" and enhancing the capability to run the most important public enterprises which supervise the industrial sector, according to a statement by the EC.