Cabinet Transfers Funds to HRC to Help Stranded Drivers Return to Lebanon

The government approved on Tuesday to transfer one million dollars to the Higher Relief Council to bring back home Lebanese truck drivers stranded in Saudi Arabia since March.

Acting Information Minister Sejaan Qazzi made the announcement following a cabinet session chaired by Prime Minister Tammam Salam at the Grand Serail.

Several Lebanese drivers have been stranded in Saudi Arabia as a result of the closure of the Nasib border crossing between Jordan and Syria.

The crossing is considered a crucial gateway for Syria's government and for Syrian, Lebanese and Jordanian traders and merchants.

Other drivers had been stranded on the Syrian-Jordanian border, in the free zone, after rebels, backed by al-Nusra Front, seized the Syrian side. But they have returned home.

Agriculture Minister Akram Shehayyeb told reporters at the Grand Serail that the stranded drivers should contact the Lebanese embassies in Jordan and Saudi Arabia to guarantee their safe return.

He reiterated that the government is preparing a plan to export goods by the sea after overland exports to Gulf states stopped last month following the rebel seizure of the Syrian side of the border with Jordan.

G.K.

M.T.