The Lebanese government has appreciated China for its generous
aid to Lebanon in the country's difficult time, Secretary General
of Lebanon's High Relief Committee (HRC) Yahaya Raad told Xinhua in
an exclusive interview on Wednesday.
Raad said that the Chinese government and people have lent a
helping hand to the Lebanese, "We, Lebanese, sincerely thank the
Chinese government and people for their timely help."
China's aid largely encouraged and supported the Lebanese
people, he said.
China had sent 150 tons of aid valued at US$2.5 million to
Lebanon, including tents, generators, medical instruments,
medicines, blankets and sheets, since the eruption of the
Israel-Hezbollah conflict on July 12.
According to Raad, a total of 40 countries and regions have sent
aid to Lebanon. Up to date, 6,000 tons of food and 4,000 tents have
been distributed to 300,000 displaced people across Lebanon.
He also thanked the International Federation of Red Cross, the
United Nations and some non-governmental organizations for their
all-out efforts in assisting Lebanese refugees.
But he expressed anxiety in helping refugees return home after a
ceasefire took effect on Monday, as some of the displaced were
homeless due to destruction of their houses by Israeli
missiles.
He said that his committee would set up camps for those homeless
refugees and offer them food, water and other necessities.
Condemning Israel's constant blockade on Lebanese ports, Raad
said that the blockade largely hindered the already slow transfer
of aid, which was caused by weak traffic in Lebanon due to broken
bridges and roads.
He said that a sea, ground and air blockade imposed by Israel on
Lebanon had caused severe shortage of food and drinking water.
"Israel has deprived the Lebanese people of basic rights of life
and health, which is against humanitarianism," he said.
He also condemned Israel's bombardment on Lebanon's civil
infrastructure, especially power stations, saying that many key
sectors, including hospitals, were plagued by frequent
blackout.
The 34-day conflict between Israel and Lebanon's Shiite
Hezbollah claimed lives of some 1,200 Lebanese and wounded 4,600,
Raad said, adding the number is expected to climb in the coming
days following clearance of ruins and rubbles.
(Xinhua News Agency August 17, 2006)
