Dear Representatives of the International Community,

On the occasion of the "Conference on the Reconstruction of the Liberated Territories and the Adjacent Areas, and on the Overall Development of Lebanon" that took place on July 27, 2000, it was agreed that a Tripartite Preparatory Committee be formed from representatives of the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, the World Bank and United Nations Development Program to work with the Inter-Ministerial High Committee of the Lebanese Government on a proposal for a follow-up Donors' Conference, particularly the timing, venue and coordination mechanisms, especially, to achieve pledges of fresh funding.

We are pleased to inform you that further to discussions between the two committees, a Secretariat was established in order to ensure preparation, coordination and follow-up. The following institutions are represented in the Secretariat: Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Economy and Trade, Council for Development and Reconstruction and the Bank of Lebanon, as per Presidency of the Council of Ministers' Decision No 179/2000 dated September 2, 2000 (copy attached).

The Secretariat's Terms of Reference are summarized as follows:

· Technical Preparations,

· Contact with Donor Community,

· Dissemination of Information,

· Logistical Preparation for the Donors' Meeting,

· Coordination with the Tripartite Committee.

Please note that a web site for the southern Lebanon has been established for the purpose of better dissemination of information. It is envisaged that the site www.southernlebanon.gov.lb would be accessible starting September 18, 2000. We hope that you will find the information useful and would welcome any comments that you might have for the improvement of the site. A special e-mail address has been dedicated to receive your queries: info@southernlebanon.gov.lb.

The Secretariat is housed at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and could be reached by phone @ the following number 01-987400 and by fax @ the following number 01-983061.

The Secretariat looks forward to a close and fruitful cooperation with your goodselves and avails itself of this opportunity to renew to you the assurance of its highest consideration.

Best Regards,