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.

Lebanon is home to a robust Christian community, Szijjártó said, adding that the election of a Christian president was “also of special significance”. “Hungary’s government … supports Christian communities in trouble worldwide. In the past seven years, we have implemented 38 development, support and investment projects aimed at strengthening Christian communities at a cost of 6 billion forints,” he said.

Hungary’s government also wants a meeting of the EU-Lebanon Association Council to be held as soon as possible. The EU should increase its budget for reconstruction in Lebanon, the costs of which are estimated at around 12-15 billion dollars, he said.

“A stable Lebanon contributes to a secure Middle East; Hungary has done its part. We are respected and considered friends here, and Hungary will continue to support all measures that aid peace, calm and stability in Lebanon,” he said.

As we wrote earlier, Hungarian FM Szijjártó happy for new, US-backed army chief elected as president in Lebanon, details HERE

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