Brussels, 26/01/2007 (Agence Europe) - At the Paris III international donor conference on Lebanon (see EUROPE 9352 and 9351), the European Commission committed further aid, taking the amount it has granted to Lebanon since the start of the conflict to some €500 million. This new aid comprises - financial aid of at least €300 million initially for socio-economic and political reforms, rebuilding the economy of the country (local development, re-construction, restoration of infrastructure, aid to SMEs), mine clearance and the removal of unexploded bombs, and aid to Palestinian refugees in Lebanon; - micro-credit aid in the form of donations and loans. The European Investment Bank is to grant €960 million in subsidies and loans. €400 million will finance priority infrastructure projects in transport, energy and wastewater, and €560 will be channelled into support for the private sector. Lebanon could also receive aid from the new investment fund for the European Neighbourhood Policy to be used to attract finance for infrastructure, encourage investment and support the reform of key sectors in countries which neighbour the EU. (ol)