US signs deal with Lebanese army on military equipment

Tuesday, Oct 21, 2008

U.S. Under Secretary of Defense Eric Edelman and the Lebanese army commander Gen. Jean Kahwaji signed an agreement that would give additional automatic grenade launcher to the Lebanese army, local Daily Star reported Saturday.

Edelman met Friday with Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Seniora and Kahwaji to discuss ways to enhance the Lebanese army's capabilities, the report said.

The U.S. will continue to support the government of Lebanon and Lebanese army, as they continue to safeguard peace, unity and sovereignty of Lebanon, Edelman was quoted as saying in the meeting.

 Building on previous discussions, U.S. and Lebanese officials followed up on a newly-established joint military committee which was designed to strengthen U.S.-Lebanese bilateral defense relations, a statement by the U.S. embassy said.

 Since 2006, the United States has donated more than 410 million U.S. dollars to provide equipment and training for the Lebanese army.