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Lebanon opens its airspace, ports for emergency deliveries to quake-hit Syria

The decision was made with regard to economic sanctions, imposed on the Damascus government by the United States and the European Union

BEIRUT, February 8. /TASS/. Lebanon is opening its airspace and seaports for emergency aid deliveries to quake-hit Syria, Lebanese Acting Minister Of Public Works and Transport Ali Hamieh has told reporters.

The decision was made with regard to economic sanctions, imposed on the Damascus government by the United States and the European Union. As a result, many countries and organizations are refraining from direct contacts with the Syrian authorities.

"On the government’s order, all maritime transportation companies carrying cargo and equipment for Syria are exempt from port duties in Lebanese ports," Hamieh announced on Tuesday night.

The same rule will apply to air carriers using Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport to transport their cargo.

"This is the least we can do for the brotherly nation of Syria in the hour of need," the official added.

The acting minister said a group of Lebanese rescuers from the General Directorate of the Lebanese Civil Defense and a group of Lebanese military engineers, as well as volunteers from the Lebanese Red Cross Society and private charity organizations have already departed to the disaster-stricken country.

Hamieh will head to Damascus on Wednesday, as part of a governmental delegation to discuss emergency aid to Syria. According to the An-Nahar newspaper, the delegation will also comprise Acting Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib, Acting Agriculture Minister Abbas Hajj Hassan, Acting Minister Of Social Affairs Hector Hajjar and other senior officials.

4.9-magnitude tremors were registered in Lebanon on Monday. Although no deaths or injuries were reported, several buildings and roads were damaged.