U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry announced $290M in assistance for Syrian crisis response, $51M of them for Lebanon.
Kerry reflected on the desperate straits refugees in host countries face.
"They don't see the war ending," he said. "I am very proud that the United States of America is leading the charge in responding to this moral and security imperative. Today, I am pleased to announce on behalf of the American people and on behalf of President Obama another $290M in humanitarian assisstance for those affected by the conflict both inside Syria and communities throughout the region were they have taken refuge."
"Let me be clear, there's still an enormous need on the ground that is not being met amd I am not going to stand up here and tell you that ... the money that we've given is enough. Also for those refugees just being supported in refugee camps is not enough. It doesn't change their lives. It doesn't end the war. It doesn't speak to their day to day sense of loss and abandonment and it certainly doesn't provide them with the long-term security and opportunities that they deserve," he continued.
"All of us all nations have a responsibility to try to end this conflict and I particularly call on those nations directly supporting the Assad regime in what has become a grotesque display of modern warfare by a state against its own people. I call on them, Iran, Russia and I call on Hezbollah based right here in Lebanon to engage in a legitimate effort to bring this war to an end.
"I also call on the international donors who have made pledges to deliver on those pledges. It is important,critically important to support Lebanon and to support others in the region who are suffering the consequences of this humanitarian crisis," he said. "It is important for all of us to recognize the human catastrophe that is unfolding before our eyes.
"That is why the United States has pushed so hard for a political solution, which is the only real solution to this conflict. A large portion of the assistance that I announced today, $51M will go directly to refugees in Lebanon and the communities that host them there."
