Britain grants Lebanon 24m pounds to help Syrian refugees

Visiting British Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister for the Middle East, Hugh Robertson said Wednesday that his country granted an additional humanitarian aid of 24 million British pounds to help the Syrian refugees in Lebanon. During his two-day visit to Lebanon, Robertson met with Lebanese President Michel Suleiman, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Designate Tammam Salam and Army Commander General Jean Qahwaji. The new aid is part of a plan designed by the British government to provide 60 million pounds for the Syrian refugees fled to other countries, said a statement released by the British embassy to Lebanon. "My visit to Lebanon comes at a difficult period for the country. I welcomed continued efforts to form a new consensual government able to move the country forward. Britain remains fully committed to Lebanon's peace, stability and prosperity," Robertson was quoted as saying. He added "the additional assistance includes winter packages containing warm clothing and thermal blankets; winter tents and shelter material; heaters, fuel and insulation kits for displaced families; and medical care, including antenatal support for expectant mothers."