World Affairs Discussion Message Board

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Politics : World Affairs Discussion

Public Reply Prvt Reply Mark as Last Read File

Previous 10 Next 10 Previous Next

To: Machaon who wrote (2166)	9/30/2002 10:08:09 PM
From: lorne	Read Replies (1) of 3959

Report: U.S. suspends Lebanon aid BEIRUT, Lebanon, Sept. 30 (UPI) -- The United States has suspended $35 million in aid to Lebanon as tension mounted between the countries especially over the militant Hezbollah, Lebanon's As Safir newspaper reported Monday. As Safir quoted U.S. sources in Washington as saying U.S-Lebanese relations have been strained for months and might further deteriorate because of a series of measures and stands from both sides. The increased tension, especially concerning Hezbollah, prompted the State Department to suspend all assistance allocated to Lebanon for 2002 -- a total of $35 million -- in what the newspaper described as "a surprise move which has not been announced officially." As Safir said Lebanon hasn't received any of the economic and teaching aid for this year but "this does not necessarily mean that it would be deprived of such an assistance" that was approved by the Congress. They could be delayed until disputes between the two countries were resolved or Lebanon accepts the U.S. conditions. The U.S. officials were extremely annoyed by Hezbollah's continued activities against the Israeli forces in the disputed border area of Shabaa farms, particularly the clashes that broke out last April, prompting Secretary of State Colin Powell to intervene to impose calm. The U.S. sources explained that the State Department decided to freeze $32 million and the Congress $3 million that had been allocated to Lebanon. They said Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage, who is known for his recent tough stands regarding Hezbollah, was believed to be behind the decision. A water dispute between Lebanon and Israel over the Wazzani River and the "Syria Accountability Act" tabled before the Congress added to the tension between Beirut and Washington. The Lebanese government reportedly angered U.S. State Department officials by threatening to punish some Christian opposition leaders for supporting the "Syria Accountability Act" that calls for imposing sanctions on Syria for backing terrorist organizations such as Hezbollah and Hamas and for failing to withdraw from Lebanon in compliance with U.N. Resolution 520. On the Wazzani River, the U.S. officials consider that Lebanon's project to pump more water was not illegal but the Beirut government could have notified the United Nations or Washington of its plans. Observers in Washington said the increased tension between the two countries came at a time it was clear President George W. Bush was heading toward war with Iraq and amid fears of attempts "to warm up" the Lebanese-Israeli front before or during the confrontation with Baghdad. worldtribune.com

Report TOU Violation

Share This Post

Public Reply Prvt Reply Mark as Last Read File

Previous 10 Next 10 Previous Next