General Michel Aoun, President of the Republic, acknowledged Lebanon’s gratitude for the continual support it receives from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and expressed hope that it will continue, especially given the tough conditions it is facing.

Mr. Jagan Chapagain, the Union’s Secretary-General, was received by the President today at Baabda Palace.

President Aoun emphasized that the existence of the Union’s regional office in Beirut, which covers the Middle East and North Africa, demonstrates the union’s faith in Lebanon and its importance in the area and around the world. President Aoun also stated that the union’s services, particularly after the explosion in Beirut’s port, had a significant impact on the souls of the Lebanese in general, particularly the afflicted, particularly in terms of participating in immediate relief work, assisting 9800 affected families with food and material aid, as well as psychological support.

In addition, President Aoun thanked the Union’s assistance in combating the Corona pandemic, praising the coordination between the Union and the Lebanese Red Cross Society.

Then, President Aoun raised the issue of the Syrian refugees and its repercussions on all Lebanese sectors, calling for Lebanon’s support in its demand to return the displaced to their country within the framework of a safe return, especially to areas that no longer witness military operations. The President pointed out that the displacement of large numbers of Syrians has worsened the economic and social conditions in the country, which makes it impossible to continue this reality.

For his part, Mr. Chabagin had expressed his happiness for his presence in Beirut and his meeting with the President of the Republic, stressing the continuation of support for Lebanon and the Lebanese Red Cross Society headed by Dr. Antoine Zoghbi, who attended the meeting and the Society’s Secretary-General, George Kattani. Chabagin praised the permanent coordination between the Federation and the Society, noting what the Lebanese Red Cross is doing in various fields.

Mr. Chabagin stated, “The Union will continue to provide aid to Lebanon in the health and social spheres, with the goal of reducing the harsh impacts left by the events, particularly after the explosion at Beirut’s Port and the spread of the Corona pandemic.”

In addition to Dr. Zoghbi, the Union’s Legal Adviser, Ms. Victoria Stoddart, the Union’s Financial Director for the Middle East and North Africa region, Dr. Hossam Al-Sharqawi, and Director of the Union’s Lebanon Office, Mr. Christian Cortez Cardoza, accompanied the Secretary-General on his visit.

Thanks for the State of Iraq:

President Aoun telegraphed to both Iraqi President, Barham Salih, and Prime Minister, Mustafa Al-Kazemi, thanking them for the Iraqi government’s decision to double the amount of oil it approved for Lebanon from 500 thousand tons to one million tons annually to help Lebanon overcome the difficult conditions it is going through.

“It is not strange that the State of Iraq constantly stands behind our country, in the numerous conditions and hardships it has gone through,” President Aoun said.

Your country’s initiative comes at a time when our people are facing very delicate and tough economic and life conditions, and we desperately need help from our brothers and friends to address the degradation of living and human situations and begin the recovery process.”