Belgian helicopters to bring Lebanon aid

27 July 2006

BRUSSELS — Belgian army helicopters will start transporting humanitarian aid into Lebanon from the start of next week, Defence Minister André Flahaut said.

The decision to assist in the humanitarian mission was taken after consultations between Flahaut, Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt and Foreign Minister Karel De Gucht.

It comes after various pleas were lodged from aid groups wanting to assist the Lebanese population, news agency Belga reported on Thursday.

But there are still talks being carried out to secure landing rights at the international airport in the Lebanese capital of Beirut.

On the return flight, continued evacuations of Belgian and other foreign nationals could be carried out if necessary.

Subject: Belgian new