Latest news with #SandraDeWaele
L'Orient-Le Jour
7 hours ago
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
EU announces new €12.5 million project to support the Lebanese Army
The European Union announced "a new €12.5 million project to support the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) in leading recovery efforts, enhancing security and helping communities in southern Lebanon rebuild. The project will be implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)," in a statement Wednesday. The ceremony, held at the Lebanese Army's headquarters in Yarzeh, was attended by army Commander General Rodolph Haykal, EU Ambassador to Lebanon Sandra De Waele, UNDP Resident Representative in Lebanon Blerta Aliko, and representatives from UNSCOL. "This EU-funded project responds to the ongoing impact of the 13-month war, which continues to claim lives and damage infrastructure and public services across the country," the statement said. The World Bank estimates, in a final report in March, the total cost of damage at $6.8 billion in the regions affected by Israeli bombings, with economic losses amounting to $7.2 billion. These estimates cover the period from Oct. 8, 2023, the date the hostilities began between the two belligerents, to Dec. 20, 2024. "It will help the Lebanese Armed Forces support communities in southern Lebanon to recover and rebuild. This includes clearing rubble and unexploded ordnance, repairing critical infrastructure — such as water networks and public health centres — and strengthening cooperation with local communities," according to the statement. In his remarks, Haykal stated that "this project represents a critical milestone for the military institution, which bears immense responsibilities at the national level. The army continues to exert tremendous efforts to uphold the authority of the state across all Lebanese territory, implement international resolutions—particularly Resolution 1701—and safeguard the country's security and monitor its borders." "The project strengthens the army's capacity and sustainability, contributing directly to Lebanon's security and stability and to the safety of its people,' General Haykal added. "Together with EU Member States, we are providing over $600 million in support to conflict-affected areas in Lebanon, underscoring this commitment. These efforts complement our diplomatic work to push for the full implementation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 and for all parties to abide by the November 2024 ceasefire agreement," EU Ambassador Sandra De Waele said. Hezbollah and Israel engaged in a devastating war lasting more than 13 months, from October 2023 to November 2024, in the wake of the Gaza conflict. The party emerged significantly weakened by these clashes, which ended with a cease-fire that came into effect on Nov. 27. Despite this truce, the Israeli army continues to occupy five positions in southern Lebanon and persists in its violations of the agreement by almost daily bombarding the south, and more sporadically the Bekaa and southern suburbs of Beirut. The Lebanese Army has dismantled hundreds of Hezbollah's military infrastructure south of the Litani River, but the party still maintains its weapons north of this line and has so far refused to surrender its arsenal, as demanded by the international community, led by the United States and Israel.
Nahar Net
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Nahar Net
EU announces new €12.5M project to support Lebanese Army
by Naharnet Newsdesk 23 July 2025, 18:16 The European Union on Wednesday announced a new €12.5 million project to support the Lebanese Army in "leading recovery efforts, enhancing security and helping communities in Southern Lebanon rebuild." The project will be implemented by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). The official launch ceremony, held at the Lebanese Army Headquarters in Yarzeh, was attended by Army Commander General Rodolph Haykal, EU Ambassador to Lebanon Sandra De Waele, UNDP Resident Representative in Lebanon Blerta Aliko, and representatives from the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon. "This EU-funded project responds to the ongoing impact of the 13-month war, which continues to claim lives and damage infrastructure and public services across the country," an EU Delegation statement said. "It will help the Lebanese Armed Forces support communities in Southern Lebanon to recover and rebuild. This includes clearing rubble and unexploded ordnance, repairing critical infrastructure—such as water networks and public health centers—and strengthening cooperation with local communities," it added. In his remarks, Army Commander Haykal stated that "this project represents a critical milestone for the military institution, which bears immense responsibilities at the national level." "The army continues to exert tremendous efforts to uphold the authority of the state across all Lebanese territory, implement international resolutions —particularly Resolution 1701 —and safeguard the country's security and monitor its borders," he added. " "The project strengthens the army's capacity and sustainability, contributing directly to Lebanon's security and stability and to the safety of its people,' Haykal said. EU Ambassador Sandra De Waele said: 'This project -- along with our longstanding partnership with Lebanese security institutions -- reflects the European Union's unwavering commitment to Lebanon and to promoting peace and stability across the country. Together with EU Member States, we are providing over $600 million in support to conflict-affected areas in Lebanon, underscoring this commitment. These efforts complement our diplomatic work to push for the full implementation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 and for all parties to abide by the November 2024 ceasefire agreement.' 'We at UNDP will continue to support LAF and local communities—because stability is the foundation upon which lasting peace, recovery, and inclusive development must be built,' said Blerta Aliko, UNDP Resident Representative in Lebanon. This project is part of the Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding signed in May 2025 by the Ministry of National Defense, UNDP, and UNSCOL, to coordinate international assistance for the Lebanese Armed Forces.
Nahar Net
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Nahar Net
EU announces €8 million for post-conflict stability in Lebanon
by Naharnet Newsdesk 14 May 2025, 12:49 The European Union has announced 8 million Euro to support stability, security and peace in Lebanon, following 13 months of conflict. The project will be implemented by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). "The devastating conflict has led to too many civilian casualties. It has caused massive destruction and displacement. It has put a strain on already fragile public institutions, limiting their ability to deliver essential services to the people. Security institutions continue to face many challenges in maintaining stability amid ongoing tensions," the EU Delegation to Lebanon said in a statement. The European Union, in partnership with UNDP and UNODC, is assisting communities affected by conflict and facilitating their return to safe and stable areas. The project will strengthen local initiatives for conflict prevention and peacebuilding. It will enhance the capacity of the Internal Security Forces (ISF) in their delivery of security services. Additionally, the project will support the Lebanon Mine Action Center (LMAC) in managing unexploded ordnance in conflict-affected areas. The contract was signed at the Internal Security Forces headquarters in Beirut, in the presence of ISF Director General Major General Raed Abdallah, Peter Wagner, Director of the EU Service for Foreign Policy Instruments, Sandra De Waele, Ambassador of the European Union to Lebanon, and Blerta Aliko, UNDP Resident Representative in Lebanon. Director of the EU Service for Foreign Policy Instruments, Peter Wagner, said: "The ISF plays a critical role in maintaining public order and safeguarding communities. The European Union's crisis response is aimed at bolstering the Internal Security Forces' capacity at a critical time. At the same time, the work of the Lebanon Mine Action Center to clear landmines and explosive remnants of war remains vital, not only to protect lives, but to enable recovery, development and safe return of displaced families." EU Ambassador to Lebanon, Sandra De Waele, said: "The European Union is proud to continue supporting the vital and essential work of the Internal Security Forces and Lebanon Mine Action Center. This new program reflects our ongoing commitment to Lebanon and its security institutions in promoting peace and stability across the country, at this critical time." UNDP Resident Representative in Lebanon, Blerta Aliko, said, "Lebanon stands at a pivotal moment of recovery. As families return home and communities rebuild, this initiative provides a vital opportunity to strengthen stability and security. By investing in conflict prevention, security services, and explosive ordnance clearance, we are not just addressing immediate risks—we are laying the groundwork for long-term peace and development." The UNODC Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa said: "UNODC remains committed to supporting Lebanon's efforts to enhance prison conditions and promote the dignity and well-being of all prisoners. Drawing on over two decades of collaboration with national authorities and our expertise in criminal justice and prison reform, this project will contribute to reducing tensions, while enhancing rehabilitation and social reintegration, at a time when it is most critically needed."
LBCI
08-03-2025
- Business
- LBCI
Lebanon's Finance Minister says 2026 budget to support financial regularity, social spending
Lebanon's Finance Minister, Yassine Jaber, met with the European Union Ambassador to Lebanon, Sandra De Waele, to discuss cooperation between the EU and Lebanon, particularly with the Finance Ministry. The discussions touched on the ministry's ongoing preparations for the 2026 draft budget, which is being developed in collaboration with the EU. Jaber said he is looking forward to a budget that reflects Lebanon's development strategies and reform objectives, which the government has adopted as its main priorities. These include reactivating governance and oversight bodies, restructuring banks, public debt, and the Eurobond portfolio. He noted that the draft budget under preparation takes into account measures that would help put Lebanon on the right track toward financial regularity, paving the way for future budgets to increase spending on social sectors. For her part, De Waele highlighted the EU's readiness to assist ministries in preparing their budgets, which would help the Finance Ministry allocate financial resources.
Nahar Net
25-02-2025
- Politics
- Nahar Net
EU launches 20th edition of Samir Kassir Award
by Naharnet Newsdesk 25 February 2025, 11:38 The European Union and Samir Kassir Foundation launched Tuesday the 20th edition of the Samir Kassir Award for Freedom of the Press. The award, which has been granted by the European Union since 2006, honors the Lebanese journalist and writer Samir Kassir, who was assassinated in 2005. The competition for the award has attracted since its creation more than 3,600 candidates from the Middle East, the Gulf and North Africa and 55 journalists have won the award so far. "Twenty years later, the Samir Kassir Award remains as relevant as ever. For freedom of the press is not merely a principle. It is a fundamental right in any democracy. Without a free press, the next 20 years could see even more violence, oppression and misinformation, not only in the region, but also in Europe and other corners of the world," said the Ambassador of the European Union to Lebanon Sandra De Waele. Acting President of the Samir Kassir Foundation, Malek Mrowa, added: "The 20th edition of the Samir Kassir Award seeks to recognize and celebrate the bravery of journalists whose words and stories defy all weapons and continue to shine a light in the darkest corners. It will be granted amid pains that reached their peak during the past year, and new hopes drawn by radical, developing changes." The Samir Kassir Award for Freedom of the Press is open to professional journalists from North Africa, the Middle East, and the Gulf. The deadline for sending in contributions is 1 April 2025. Three awards will be granted for the best: - Opinion Article - Investigative Article - Audiovisual News Report The contributions must be centered on one or more of the following topics: rule of law, human rights, good governance, fight against corruption, freedom of expression, democratic development, and citizen participation. The winner of each of the three categories will receive a prize of €10,000. The jury will be composed of seven voting members from Arab and European media and one observer representing the European Union. The names of the winners will be communicated during the prize-awarding ceremony, which will take place on 3 June 2025 in Beirut, one day after the 20th anniversary of Samir Kassir's assassination. The contest regulations, application forms, rules, and conditions are available on the Award's website: Registration closes on 1 April 2025. For more information: coordination@
