The Greek government on Thursday proposed to the European Union (EU) that it was willing to donate shipping services to ensure humanitarian aid, which has arrived in Larnaca, Cyprus, gets to war-torn Lebanon.

Deputy Foreign Minister Evripidis Stylianidis said the shipping, dubbed "Hellenic Aid", would take the form of a Greek Navy tank landing vessel, and the Cyprus Republic would offer the use of Larnaca port, according to a statement issued by Greece's Foreign Ministry.

Hellenic Aid, in cooperation with the European authorities, attempts to play a coordinating role by utilizing its successful experience and technical potential provided by the Greek armed forces, he said.

He added that Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis had already briefed the European partners and the European Commission on the offer, made in consultation with the Cyprus Republic, to ship the European humanitarian aid from Larnaca to Lebanon for free.

Stylianidis said the second phase of humanitarian aid to Lebanon had begun, with various fundraising initiatives taking place.

During the first phase of Hellenic Aid, he said that Greece was the first country to transport thousands of people from the war zone, namely to Greece, and also the first to bring more than 70 tons of medical and pharmaceutical aid to the victims of the war.

Meanwhile, the Greek Navy tank landing ship "Rhodes" is on her way to Lebanon carrying 31 tons of medicine, foodstuffs and other essential items for the Lebanese.

This is the third humanitarian aid mission for the relief of the Lebanese civilians organized by Greece.

Source: Xinhua