UN food chief warns Lebanon could run out of bread in two weeks 

Edited by Ed Newman
2020-08-10 17:15:18

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United Nations, August 10 (RHC)-- The head of the UN food agency said he's "very, very concerned" Lebanon could run out of bread in about two and a half weeks because 85 percent of the country's grain comes through Beirut's devastated port -- but he believes an area of the port can be made operational this month.

David Beasley, who is in Beirut assessing damage and recovery prospects, told a virtual UN briefing on the humanitarian situation following last week's explosion in the Lebanese capital that "at the devastated site, we found a footprint that we can operate on a temporary basis."

"Working with the Lebanese army, we believe that we can clear part of that site," Beasley said. "We'll be airlifting in a lot of equipment, doing everything we can."

Beasley said he had met with Cabinet ministers -- who all resigned later Monday -- and told them the UN needs "absolute cooperation now, no obstacles" because people on the streets are angry and said they need international help but "please make certain that the aid comes directly to the people."


 



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