PRIME MINISTER ANNOUNCES NEW LEBANON RELIEF FUND

UNCLAS OTTAWA 002467 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR WHA/CAN AND NEA USAID FOR ANE AND DCHA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAID ECON PREL PREF PGOV LE CA SUBJECT: PRIME MINISTER ANNOUNCES NEW LEBANON RELIEF FUND REF: OTTAWA 2205 ¶1. (U) Summary: On August 16, Prime Minister Harper announced that Canada will give C$25 million to Lebanon reconstruction and relief efforts. C$15 million will be largely directed to UN agencies and the ICRC and C$10 million will support stabilization efforts and provide civilian support for implementation of UNSCR 1701. This aid supplements Canadian aid for Lebanon announced in recent weeks totalling C$5.5 million. End Summary. ¶2. (U) On August 16, Prime Minister Harper announced the creation of a C$25 million Lebanon Relief Fund to respond to relief, early recovery, and stabilization needs in Lebanon. Harper said that "as a leader on the international stage, Canada has a responsibility to help those suffering from circumstances beyond their control. Today's announcement is about doing just that - bringing urgent relief to people by ensuring the availability of much-needed supplies." ¶3. (U) The two-year fund will be used to respond to requests by the Red Cross Movement, the United Nations and other multilateral organizations and NGOs to address Lebanon's post-ceasefire needs. It will also enable Canada to undertake targeted stabilization and reconstruction activities, as called for in UNSCR 1701. ¶4. (U) In response to the United Nations Flash Appeal, Canada on July 28 allocated C$500,000 in support of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Canada is also providing C$5 million to UN agencies, distributed as follows: a) C$1.75 million to the World Food Program (C$1 million for emergency food assistance and C$750,000 for logistic operations during the Lebanon crisis); b) C$750,000 to UNICEF for providing adequate water and sanitation support in south Lebanon; c) C$750,000 to UNICEF and WHO for providing primary health care services; d) C$1 million to UNHCR for providing emergency assistance to displaced persons and refugees in Lebanon and neighboring countries; e) C$500,000 for the establishment of a United Nations Joint Logistics Center to provide logistics coordination and support for humanitarian activities in Lebanon; and f) C$250,000 to the Office of Humanitarian Affairs for coordinating the humanitarian response. ¶5. (U) Canada has also supported the efforts of humanitarian agencies in Lebanon to reach those in need, including the transport by sea of humanitarian personnel and over 140 tons of relief supplies. ¶6. (U) As reported in reftel, Canada on July 20 announced an initial C$1 million humanitarian donation to Lebanon. This pledge is included in the C$5.5 million allocation announced eight days later. Canada's aid is provided through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). Visit Canada's Classified Web Site at http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/wha/ottawa WILKINS