Canada To Give $25 Million More For Lebanon Relief
Posted August 16, 2006 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
He’s been criticized for taking sides in the Middle East dispute, but now Stephen Harper is offering not an opinion, but money.
The Prime Minister has pledged another $25 million in aid to Lebanon, in addition to the $5 million Canada has already given to the war-torn nation.
“This money that will be distributed through reputable aid organizations on the ground, will help bring food, water and medicine to those who need help most,” he promises. “Canada has a responsibility to help those suffering in circumstances beyond their control. Today’s announcement is about doing just that and this fund will help ensure that ordinary people caught in the crossfire of the conflict are provided with the humanitarian assistance they need.”
According to Lebanese government officials, damage to buildings in the county totals at least $3.5 billion.
But while Harper was giving out money, he won’t be contributing any troops. During a tour of Whitehorse, the P.M. reiterated his vow that Canadian soliders won’t be part of the U.N. peacekeeping force heading into the area to try and provide a buffer zone between Israel and its Hezbollah enemy.
The news of more relief money was welcomed by Lebanese Canadians.
Elie Tannous and his 7-year-old son were among the Canadians evacuated from Lebanon last month.
“It is a good idea because it is like compatible with our belief as Canadian where it is in the world catastrophe we contribute to relief,” he said.
Some Israelis contend the money is only a good idea if our government can insure that it will not end up in the hands of Hezbollah terrorists.
“Well, I think we have to have a monetary process,” adds Moshe Ronen of the Canada Isreal Committee.
“I think we have to work very closely with the Lebanese government and make it clear that this money is conditional for humanitarian help, for rebuilding, but certainly not to be used by the Hezbollah terrorists for any purpose.”
