STATEMENT BY THE HONOURABLE DATO? SERI SYED HAMID ALBAR
MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, MALAYSIA
AT THE CONFERENCE ON RECONSTRUCTION OF LEBANON
(PARIS III CONFERENCE) PARIS,
25 JANUARY 2007
His Excellency Jacques Chirac
President of the Republic of France,
His Excellency Mr. Fuad Siniora
Prime Minister of the Republic of Lebanon,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Let me begin with the greetings of my Prime Minister to you Mr. President and Prime Minister Siniora. As he had conveyed to you over the phone his apologies for not being able to be personally present at today?s gathering, I do not intend to repeat it.
2. Mr. President, Malaysia would like to congratulate France particularly you Mr. President, for your untiring efforts in bringing the international community?s support in the rebuilding and reconstruction of Lebanon after the aftermath of the Israeli unjustified declaration of war against Lebanon which had caused pains, sufferings and hardships to the innocent people of Lebanon. Malaysia as the Chairman of OIC Summit had taken many initiatives, including calling for a Special Meeting of the OIC to stop the war, supporting the UN Resolution 1701 and taken part in the UNIFIL peacekeeping force. All that had been done.
3. Now Paris III Meeting for us is important if we want to see Lebanon peaceful, secure practicing democracy, cohesive and united. Malaysia as a developing country has been supportive of efforts by Lebanon to rebuild the country. It was for these reasons that we had participated in the bonds issued by the Lebanese government up to the amount of USD550 million with the current balance standing at USD500 million. This was the first time for Malaysia to have such a huge exposure to a single country. Yet, at the same time, it underscored our commitment and support to Lebanon.
4. Mr. President, at this Paris III Meeting, and taking into account our ongoing assistance to Lebanon, we pledge USD1 million dollars. We will also be glad in any way appropriate to continue to contribute towards capacity building programmes for training and human capital development. My Prime Minister who is also the Minister of Finance has also agreed to reschedule the existing bonds by extending the time schedules for maturity of the bonds so as to ease the financial challenges confronting Lebanon.
5. We would also be able to encourage our private sector to participate in the reconstruction of Lebanon. However, this would depend very much on how the Lebanese government is able to maintain peace, security and stability within the country.
6. This is the time for reconciliation amongst different groups within the Lebanese societies. Conflicts for whatever reasons further weaken the country and all efforts towards rebuilding will not succeed.
7. I know that this is the difficult and most complicated task facing the Lebanese government and its people. But peace and reconciliation is the only option under the present circumstances.
Thank you.
