US pledges support for Lebanon’s reconstruction efforts

The United States is committed to aiding Lebanon in its reconstruction, with a key step being the election of a new president, according to U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken.

During a press conference at the annual summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Blinken emphasized that the Lebanese people desire to see their state rebuilt and to take responsibility for their own lives, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

"One way to do that is to elect a president," he stated, highlighting the fact that the presidential position in Lebanon has been vacant for two years.

Blinken noted that the U.S., along with numerous other countries, aims to assist Beirut in its recovery efforts. To this end, Washington has allocated nearly $160 million to support those displaced by the recent escalations in Lebanon.

ASEAN Week is currently being held in Vientiane from October 8 to 12, featuring the 44th and 45th ASEAN summits, as well as meetings between ASEAN leaders and their dialogue partners, culminating in the 19th East Asia Summit.

The situation in Lebanon has been further complicated by recent military actions. On September 23, Israel initiated Operation Arrows of the North against Hezbollah forces, targeting their military facilities to ensure the safety of northern border areas, allowing residents to return. Following an Israeli strike on September 27, Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrullah was reportedly killed in Beirut. Additionally, on October 1, the Israeli military announced a ground operation in southern Lebanon's border areas.

By Tamilla Hasanova