2006 press releases
U.S. Applauds Lebanon Camp Improvement Initiative
June 28, 2006Statement by U.S. Department of State Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration Office Director for Near Eastern Affairs Richard Albright
"The United States strongly supports the initiative taken by the Government of Lebanon to improve the living conditions of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon as part of its National Dialogue.
Representatives from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration visited Beirut June 25-26 to consult with the Government of Lebanon, UNRWA, the PLO and NGOs on how best to target U.S. assistance to meet the critical needs that the Government of Lebanon is identifying in coordination with UNRWA.
The United States commends the Government of Lebanon’s commitment to advance a four-year UNRWA development plan that is centered on rehabilitating all twelve UNRWA camps in Lebanon. The United States trusts that this initiative will also improve the economic opportunities of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, and directly benefit Lebanese communities in the vicinity of the camps.
The United States agrees with Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora that this comprehensive effort will bolster security and stability, not only in Lebanon but also throughout the region, and intends to contribute significantly to it."