Spain Bolsters Lebanese Military with €10 Million Aid Amid Middle East Ceasefire Efforts
Spanish Foreign Minister Announces Support for Lebanese Armed Forces in Strategic Move to Stabilize Region
In a strategic move aimed at consolidating fragile ceasefire efforts in the Middle East, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares has announced a €10 million aid package for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) during his visit to Beirut.
The funds, which will be channeled through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), are set to bolster military salaries and invest in logistics, including solar panels.
This announcement comes as the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah approaches its expiration date of October 26.
Albares emphasized the importance of strengthening the LAF not only for Lebanon's security but for the broader stability of the Middle East.
The Spanish minister reiterated his confidence in making the ceasefire permanent and urged both Israel and Hezbollah, the most potent military force in Lebanon, to adhere to the terms of the agreement.
"All points of the agreement and the ceasefire must be complied with when the 60 days expire.
Attacks on civilian infrastructure must cease, and Israeli troops must withdraw from the south of the country," Albares stated.
The financial package complements ongoing Spanish-Lebanese cooperation, with an additional increase of €10 million to the development aid already allocated to Lebanon, bringing it to a total of €21 million.
The focus on cooperation underscores the crucial partnership between Lebanon and Spain, particularly as the newly elected Lebanese president, General Joseph Aoun, prioritizes military enhancement and reconstruction efforts post-conflict.
Albares's visit is part of a broader tour of the Middle East, which will also see Minister of Defense Margarita Robles visiting Beirut next week.
His trip highlights not only Spain’s diplomatic efforts but also the rapid pace of change in the region as Lebanon seeks peace and reconstruction and Syria transitions from decades of the Assad dictatorship.
Amid these developments, Hamas and Israel have reached a separate ceasefire arrangement, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States.
Expected to commence on October 19, the agreement marks a pivotal moment after a protracted 15-month conflict in Gaza.
The ceasefire includes a phased release of hostages, reciprocal prisoner releases, and an increased humanitarian effort to address Gaza's dire situation.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog and US President Joe Biden have voiced their support for the agreement, acknowledging the intense diplomatic efforts involved in securing the ceasefire.
As global actors continue their nuanced involvement, speculations rise about the long-term governance of Gaza, challenged by extreme humanitarian needs and complex geopolitics.
In this climate of cautious optimism and ongoing diplomacy, Spain's support to Lebanon serves as a testament to the international community’s commitment to fostering regional stability and security.
The funds, which will be channeled through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), are set to bolster military salaries and invest in logistics, including solar panels.
This announcement comes as the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah approaches its expiration date of October 26.
Albares emphasized the importance of strengthening the LAF not only for Lebanon's security but for the broader stability of the Middle East.
The Spanish minister reiterated his confidence in making the ceasefire permanent and urged both Israel and Hezbollah, the most potent military force in Lebanon, to adhere to the terms of the agreement.
"All points of the agreement and the ceasefire must be complied with when the 60 days expire.
Attacks on civilian infrastructure must cease, and Israeli troops must withdraw from the south of the country," Albares stated.
The financial package complements ongoing Spanish-Lebanese cooperation, with an additional increase of €10 million to the development aid already allocated to Lebanon, bringing it to a total of €21 million.
The focus on cooperation underscores the crucial partnership between Lebanon and Spain, particularly as the newly elected Lebanese president, General Joseph Aoun, prioritizes military enhancement and reconstruction efforts post-conflict.
Albares's visit is part of a broader tour of the Middle East, which will also see Minister of Defense Margarita Robles visiting Beirut next week.
His trip highlights not only Spain’s diplomatic efforts but also the rapid pace of change in the region as Lebanon seeks peace and reconstruction and Syria transitions from decades of the Assad dictatorship.
Amid these developments, Hamas and Israel have reached a separate ceasefire arrangement, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States.
Expected to commence on October 19, the agreement marks a pivotal moment after a protracted 15-month conflict in Gaza.
The ceasefire includes a phased release of hostages, reciprocal prisoner releases, and an increased humanitarian effort to address Gaza's dire situation.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog and US President Joe Biden have voiced their support for the agreement, acknowledging the intense diplomatic efforts involved in securing the ceasefire.
As global actors continue their nuanced involvement, speculations rise about the long-term governance of Gaza, challenged by extreme humanitarian needs and complex geopolitics.
In this climate of cautious optimism and ongoing diplomacy, Spain's support to Lebanon serves as a testament to the international community’s commitment to fostering regional stability and security.
Translation:
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