LONDON, April 16 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news:
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Minister calls on all parties to end hostilities in Lebanon.
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UKreaffirmssupport for direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel.
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Stability and security in the Middle Eastwillbe critical for Antalya Diplomatic Forum.
On the first UK ministerial visit toLebanonsince regional escalation,Ministerfor the Middle East Hamish Falconerhastoday(16 April)reaffirmed UKsupport forthe country and announced over £20m in fresh humanitarian funding.
During the one-day visit to Beirut, the Ministermet with Lebanese leadersto discuss efforts to deliver regional stability and security.
Hereiteratedtheurgentneedfortheceasefire toextend toLebanonand expressed support for recentdirect negotiationswithIsrael as the best path to enduring stability and security for both sides.
In a major increaseinaidto the country,Minister Falconerannouncednewsupportfor the Government of Lebanon's crisis responseand sawthe humanitarian projectsthe UK will be funding.The projects aredelivering life-saving aid and support to some of themostvulnerable families affected by conflict, including those who have been forced to leave their homesas aresult ofmissile strikes.
The Minister alsoexpressed thankstohealthcareworkersand first respondersduring a meeting with them. Hereiterated thatbothmust be protected by all sidesandthatattacks onstaff doing these vital rolesare unacceptable.
The £20.5m packageincludesvitalassistanceto displaced peopleandthosein hard-to-reachareas. Itincludes funding for theLebaneseRed Cross'rescue and medical teams, ensures shelters support women and girls and provides a boost to critical national crisis responsesystems.Itforms part of a wider package for support toLebanon andfollows the £9.5m the UK government announced earlier this yearto respond to the humanitarian crisis.
Ministerfor the Middle East Hamish Falconersaid:
Conflict in the Middle East benefits no one. The UK is working with partners to de-escalate and pursue a political solution.
People in Lebanon are again suffering a conflict they did not choose, with displacement robbing families of security and dignity. The UK is increasing support for those most in need, reflecting our commitment to regional stability.
In Beirut I met leaders and welcomed direct Israel-Lebanon talks. We need an end to hostilities. This government will work with Lebanon and international partners to deliver vital aid and support a durable resolution. In Antalya, I will reinforce de-escalation efforts regionally.
The visit came as the country continues to face the impact of conflict between Hizballah and Israel, which has displaced over a million civilians in Lebanon and caused widespread death and destruction.
The Minister met with Lebanon's President, Speaker of Parliament, Prime Minister, and Foreign Minister to emphasise the UK's support for an urgent end to hostilities in Lebanon. He welcomed the Government of Lebanon's leadership during the humanitarian crisis,as well asdirect talks with Israel and their decision to ban all Hizballah's military activities.
Following his visit to Lebanon, the Minister will represent the UK at the Antalya Diplomatic Forum,with a focusonshapingdiplomacy and foreign policy for the future.
He will take part in a panel sessionoutliningthe importance of stability in Syria and will meet withseveralMiddle Eastern counterparts to discuss the need for immediate de-escalation in the region and the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
The UK remains committed to supporting efforts to deliver peace and stability across the region, including calling fortheimmediate and unconditional reopening of the Strait and respect for the fundamental principles of freedom of navigation and the law of the sea to be upheld.
Notes to Editors:
The fundingannounced todayincludes:
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£12.3mfortheGovernment of Lebanon'sShock Responsive Safety NetandWorld Food Programme to ensure civilians can meet their basic needs.
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£2.9mfor the Lebanese Red Cross to provide key relief items (food, hygiene kits, mattresses, blankets, etc),equipment including ambulancesandcriticalcapacity to the Government of Lebanon's Disaster Risk Management Unit.
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£3.1mviaUNICEF to support to children and vulnerable families in shelters and non-formal education spaces. Depending on location and individuals, support includes education, psychosocial support, and different levels of child protection & GBV services. Also includes technical assistance to Government of Lebanon on integrated & specialised services.
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