OTTAWA, 18 August 2006 — Saying that Canada will not join a UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the creation of a $25 million Lebanon Relief Fund to respond effectively to the relief, early recovery, and stabilization needs of the war-torn country.

“As a leader on the international stage, Canada has a responsibility to help those suffering from circumstances beyond their control,” said the Canadian Prime Minister in an official announcement in Ottawa on Wednesday night.

“Today’s announcement is about doing just that, bringing urgent relief to people by ensuring the availability of much-needed humanitarian supplies,” he said.

The two-year fund will be used to respond to requests by the Red Cross Movement, the United Nations and other multilateral organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that wish to address humanitarian needs in Lebanon following the ceasefire.

The fund will also enable Canada to undertake targeted stabilization and reconstruction activities, as called for in United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.

Ottawa’s latest announcement builds on Canada’s previous allocation of $5.5 million for humanitarian efforts in Lebanon.

Canada has also actively supported the efforts of humanitarian agencies in Lebanon to reach those in need, including the transport by sea of humanitarian personnel and over 140 tons of relief items.