The need for the international community to strengthen humanitarian aid to Lebanon was emphasized by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Giorgos Gerapetritis.

In particular, after the end of his participation in the International Conference in support of the population and sovereignty of Lebanon, Mr. Gerapetritis emphasized that Greece “has already sent a cargo, which includes medicine and other critical, essential materials. We will have a second shipment, which will be shipped immediately. Money has already been pledged, which will be used to alleviate people’s pain.”

The Secretary of State’s full statement:

In difficult times for the Middle East and for humanity as a whole, the French President called to Paris today, as an emergency, the representatives of the G20, representatives from the European Union and the Arab world, to discuss ways to limit the crisis in Lebanon and to finally be able to have the peace sought by all.

It goes without saying that the crisis in Lebanon has very significant implications and may have even worse consequences, considering the fact that there are tens of thousands of migrants in Lebanon, who are currently in an absolutely precarious situation. There are people, more than a million, who have been displaced from their homes. There is an overall humanitarian crisis that we have to manage.

The international community should step up humanitarian aid. Greece has already sent humanitarian aid. It will continue to do so through the European Civil Protection Mechanism and through the United Nations Coordination Office.

Greece, part of the international community, a member, in a few days, of the United Nations Security Council, will always be at the forefront of peace. Peace, which is currently at very high risk.

We have already dispatched a shipment, which includes medical supplies and other critical first aid supplies. We will have a second shipment, which will be shipped immediately. Money has already been pledged, which will be used to alleviate people’s suffering.

I am also in constant communication with the Lebanese government, the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister, so that we can coordinate our actions to bring as much aid as possible to Lebanon.

But it is important and I would like to stress it, at this critical crossroads, we must guarantee the security of the entire region.

We understand that at this time this situation is extremely complex. There are hotbeds of war in the Middle East. We must all work in an organized manner. The international community must come to the fore. Thank you very much.