Qatar pledges support for Lebanon’s reconstruction

Qatar has pledged continued support for Lebanon’s reconstruction and institutions, Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani announced on February 4th, according to The Arab Weekly via Reuters.

Following a meeting with President Joseph Aoun, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said Qatar would maintain its support of the Lebanese army.

Al Thani reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to aiding Lebanon’s recovery following the war between Israel and Hezbollah. “When it comes to economic support and support for reconstruction, there is no doubt that the State of Qatar will be there,” he said after his discussions with Aoun. Qatar has already been assisting Lebanon’s army through grants for fuel and salaries.

Lebanon, grappling with economic hardship and a significant reconstruction burden, has sought international financial assistance. Al Thani emphasised that Qatar was “looking forward to the formation of the government and after that will look at a strategic partnership based on mutual interest.”

The Qatari official also met caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Prime Minister-elect Nawaf Salam, and parliament speaker Nabih Berri. Salam, who was serving as the head of the International Court of Justice, received his nomination on January 13th to form a new Lebanese cabinet.

Salam is expected to announce a new cabinet in the coming days, parliamentary sources told Asharq Al-Awsat. He has spent the last three weeks consulting with political parties to finalise a cabinet lineup. Governmental posts are distributed on the basis of sectarian and political considerations.

Qatar played a role in diplomatic efforts alongside the United States, France, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt to end Lebanon’s two-year presidential vacancy, which concluded with Aoun’s election in January.

A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has remained in effect since November 27th, following over a year of hostilities which included a two-months war. The United States has reportedly pressured Lebanese officials, including Salam, to prevent Hezbollah and its ally Amal, led by Berri, from nominating Lebanon’s next finance minister.

Al Thani underscored the importance of Israeli forces adhering to “the agreement on the withdrawal … from southern Lebanon.” He called for full implementation of a UN Security Council resolution that says that only UN peacekeepers and the Lebanese army are the only forces that should operate in the country’s south.

He also reiterated Qatar’s continued humanitarian and military aid, noting that assistance for Lebanon’s cash-strapped army would remain a priority.

The Arab Weekly via Reuters