Europe ratifies aid for Syria and lebanon

In a statement, the European Commission announced yesterday it has ratified an aid program at a value of 18 million EURO for Syria and Lebanon for the year 2002.

The Lebanese government will get an aid of a value of 12 million EURO in order " improve its capacity to implement the Association Agreement between the EU and Lebanon signed in June 2002." This agreement states to found a free trade exchange zone between the EU and Lebanon, as stated in Brussels.

The other 6 million EURO are dedicated to renovate the industrial sector in Syria. The said aid program concentrates on developing a "clear industrial strategy" and enhancing the capability to run the most important public enterprises which supervise the industrial sector, according to a statement by the EC.