Paris conference for Lebanon raises $1B in aid

An international conference in Paris on Thursday has raised $1 billion in humanitarian and military in support for Lebanon, while France called for a ceasefire and a return to diplomacy.

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, Jean-Noel Barrot said,“We have collectively raised $800 million in humanitarian aid and $200 million for the security forces, that’s about $1 billion,” in his closing speech at the Paris conference, which gathered over 70 nations and international organizations.

The United States pledged to provide about $300 million, he added. 

At the opening of the conference, President Emmanuel Macron said there must not be a return to past cycles of violence.

"More damage, more victims, more strikes will not enable the end of terrorism or ensure security for everyone," he said.

Lebanon is seeking to recruit some 6,000 additional members to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). Caretaker PM Najib Mikati said he could deploy 8,000 troops to the border with Israel to implement resolution 1701, which calls for the presence of only LAF and UNIFIL forces below the Litani River. 

"The objective this time is to find conditions that ensure the lasting application of 1701 so that peace returns on both sides", something easier said than done, Barrot said.

France has historical ties with Lebanon and has been working with Washington in trying to secure a ceasefire, although the two allies differ on approach regarding UN Resolution 1701.

The US has been pushing to completely dismantle Hezbollah, while France has been pushing to strengthen Lebanon's national institutions.

"France wants a ceasefire and believes that Hezbollah will not be eliminated," said a Middle East diplomat. "The US wants the destruction of Hezbollah and is encouraging the Israelis to go further," a Middle East diplomat said.