Saudi Arabia, Kuwait pledge 70 mln dollar to help Lebanon

DUBAI, July 16 (Reuters) Saudi Arabia and Kuwait pledged 70 million dollar today to help Lebanon after its prime minister said Israeli attacks turned the country into a disaster area.

Prime Minister Fouad Siniora said late yesterday Beirut needed a comprehensive plan to rush aid into the country.

The official Saudi Press Agency said King Abdullah ordered the immediate transfer of 50 million dollar'' for the (Lebanese) prime minister to spend on emergency aid and basic services to alleviate the suffering of the Lebanese people''.

It said the move was in response to Siniora's call.

The cabinet of fellow Gulf Arab oil exporter Kuwait allocated 20 million dollar ''to provide urgent aid to brothers in Lebanon to help them in the face of this barbaric aggression and ease their suffering''.

More than 110 people have been killed in Israeli attacks on Lebanon since Hizbollah guerrillas captured two Israeli soldiers and killed eight on Wednesday. The attacks destroyed key infrastructure, including bridges, power stations and ports.

In Israel at least 12 people have been killed in attacks by Hizbollah.

The United Nations maintains a peacekeeping force in south Lebanon where Hizbollah guerrillas are active.

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