PRESS RELEASE

22 March, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EMBASSY OF JAPAN, BEIRUT, TEL. 01-989751/2/3, FAX 01-989754

Japan Supports the Reconstruction of Nahr El-Bared Palestine Refugee Camp

The Government of Japan has decided to extend a grant for the Project for Reconstruction of Nahr El-Bared Palestine Refugee Camp which contributes to conflict prevention and peace-building in the Republic of Lebanon, worth of 201 million yen (USD 2.4 million) to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

H.E. Mr. Koichi Kawakami, Ambassador of Japan in Lebanon, and Mr. Salvatore Lombardo, Director of UNRWA Affairs in Lebanon signed the Exchange of Notes today, 22 March 2011, at the premises of Embassy of Japan in Lebanon. Dr. Abdallah Abdallah, Representative of the Palestine Liberation Organization in Lebanon also attended on this signing occasion.

This grant will fund the construction of residential and non-residential units, both of them being in the same building, for the displaced from the Nahr El-Bared Camp. 58 Palestine refugee families who are renting rooms or living in temporary accommodation sites will benefit from the project, enabling them to return to their homes and be relieved from socio-economic pressure imposed on them.

Japan has extended 81 million yen (USD 0.7 million) in 2007 and 588 million yen (USD 5.5 million) in 2008 to support relief assistance for Palestine refugees at Nahr El-Bared Camp through UNRWA.

END