Hungary hands one million dollars to Lebanon army instead of financing arms shipments to Ukraine

Instead of financing arms shipments to Ukraine, Hungary is providing 400 million forints (EUR 988,000) to the Lebanon army from the European Peace Facility, with the aim of ensuring the country’s stability, Péter Szijjártó, the foreign minister, said in Beirut on Tuesday, adding that the aim was for Lebanese regulars to take over the task of ensuring Lebanon’s security from the militias.

The crisis in the Middle East hit Lebanon badly and tens of thousands of people have been displaced, a ministry statement quoted Szijjártó as saying. The situation only improved when a ceasefire was signed with Israel, he said. Hungary backs an extension to the truce with the goal of achieving lasting peace, he said, adding that a stable Lebanon is key to ensuring regional stability. The security of the Middle East also dovetails with European security, he added, warning that “millions of people” may leave the region and head towards Europe otherwise. He welcomed the successful presidential election in Lebanon, saying that during talks with the Lebanese president, he promised Hungary’s commitment to help to preserve Lebanon’s stability.

Szijjártó also called for the repatriation of the 1.5-2 million Syrian refugees currently living in Lebanon. “The whole world saw millions leaving the country because of the former Syrian president. He has fled, so we think it is time that the international community establishes the conditions for them to return home. This would free Lebanon of an enormous burden and contribute greatly to maintaining the country’s stability,” he said. The presence of a UN peacekeeping contingent would be an important factor in maintaining security, he said, noting that Hungary is maintaining the mandate of 16 Hungarian soldiers in the unit.