The United States pledged to more than triple its economic aid to the government in Lebanon, the Associated Press reported. French President Jacques Chirac opened a donor conference for Lebanon on Thursday with a plea for international support, which he said was vital for the war-scarred country. Lebanon "more than ever needs the unanimous support of the international community," said the French leader, at the conference bringing together more than 30 nations. The Bush administration is seeking $770 million in new aid for Lebanon. The money, which must be approved by Congress, would fund long-term redevelopment and immediate rebuilding from the devastating summer war between Hezbollah and Israel. "This is a package that is for Lebanon," US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said. Total U.S. aid pledges are about $1 billion since the end of Israel's 34-day war with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon last summer. Rice said the money reflects U.S. "faith in the Lebanese people and their ability to overcome their difficulties." Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Saniora, seated beside Rice at a press conference, said the money pledged at Thursday's conference is "not for the benefit of one group or one person."
