China News Agency, United Nations, August 10, United Nations Secretary-General Guterres said on the 10th that the United Nations will continue to support Lebanon to tide over the current difficulties in all possible ways.

  On the same day, various agencies of the United Nations system held an online meeting to report the situation after the devastating explosion in Beirut Port, Lebanon. Guterres said at the meeting that the United Nations has provided more than 10 million U.S. dollars to Lebanon; 20 tons of medical supplies provided by the World Health Organization have arrived in Beirut on the 5th; and the World Food Program is shipping flour, grains and other materials to Lebanon. , To alleviate local food shortages; the United Nations and the Lebanese Red Cross cooperate to provide shelters for local people who have lost their homes.

  Guterres expressed his gratitude to all countries that have extended a helping hand to Lebanon, and at the same time called on the international community to continue to provide generous assistance and vigorously support all the affected population in Lebanon.

  On the evening of the 4th local time, a violent explosion occurred near the port of Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, which has caused at least 200 deaths, about 6000 injured, and more than 100 missing. In recent days, there have been protests and demonstrations on the streets of Lebanon. Lebanese Prime Minister Diab announced the collective resignation of the government on the 10th local time.

  Guterres said that the Lebanese people’s anger is obvious and “their voices must be heard.” He called for a credible and transparent investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion and to implement accountability in accordance with the requirements of the Lebanese people.

  Beasley, Executive Director of the World Food Programme, made a briefing in Beirut. He said that about 85% of Lebanon’s food needs to be imported from the port of Beirut, and that quickly resuming the port’s operations is a top priority. He expects the port to be temporarily put into use in the next two to three weeks.

  Beasley said that WFP's recent assistance program is roughly divided into three steps. First, provide 17,500 tons of flour to Lebanon within two weeks to ensure basic food needs for about 20 days; two weeks later, the second part of 30,000 tons of flour will arrive to ensure a 30-day supply; the third step, within 60 days An additional 100,000 tons of flour aid will be added.

  Lowcock, the UN Deputy Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, said that the current support for Lebanon is mainly humanitarian assistance; after that, local reconstruction efforts may cost billions of dollars and require financing through multiple channels. He pointed out that before the explosion, Lebanon already had socio-economic problems that could not be ignored, and the new crown pneumonia pandemic made it worse. After the reconstruction work is completed, these issues also need to be properly addressed. (Finish)