Lebanon PM lauds Saudi $1bn donation

Lebanon's Prime Minister Tammam Salam on Wednesday thanked the Saudi King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz for offering USD one billion in aid of the Lebanese army and security forces.
"Once again, Saudi King takes the initiative and stretches his hand to help Lebanon in this difficult time, addressing the Lebanese people with a message of love and solidarity and confirming the Kingdom's keenness on Lebanon's security, safety and sovereignty," Salam said in a statement.
He added that the "entire Lebanese, received with relief the news of the noble decision taken by the Saudi King and announced by former Prime Minister Saad Hariri, as per which one billion dollar will be granted to the Lebanese army and security forces." "The generous Saudi initiative," to be added to a previous one worth USD 3 billion, "constitutes a clear translation of the historic position which the Saudi King has taken days ago, whereby he confirmed the Kingdom's carrying on fighting terrorism practiced by extremist movements that have nothing to do with Islam." The statement commended Hariri "for his national brave stances" and efforts seeking support to the Lebanese political, military and security institutions at a time when Lebanon is "facing "difficult times."