UN agency ends food aid operation in Lebanon

ROME, Oct 31 (Reuters) The UN food aid agency ended its relief programme in Lebanon today, saying there was now enough food available after the war with Israel left many Lebanese hungry.

The World Food Programme (WFP) said it had fed more than 810,000 people in Lebanon during the three-month operation, providing 13,000 tonnes of flour, bread, canned meat, biscuits and vegetable oil.

''The human and economic losses are staggering, but I have faith in the people's strength and resilience,'' said Zlatan Milisic, the WFP's emergency coordinator for Lebanon, adding that the Lebanese government would take care of ''the few remaining pockets'' of people needing food aid.

Around 1,200 Lebanese, mostly civilians, and 157 Israelis, mostly soldiers, died in the 34-day war between Israel and Hezbollah guerrillas in July and August.

A WFP report on food availability and nutrition concluded that: ''while some people are still suffering the effects of war, food is available at affordable prices and nutritional levels are good''.

REUTERS BDP RK2200