US says aid to boost Lebanese Army capability
BEIRUT, Lebanon -- The U.S. said Friday the recent delivery of six helicopters and spare parts to the Lebanese Army was aimed at enhancing Lebanon’s military capability.
The delivery “underscores the United States’ efforts to strengthen the capacity of the Lebanese Armed Forces, recognizing its importance, as Lebanon’s sole legitimate defense force, in securing Lebanon’s borders and defending the sovereignty and independence of the state,” according to a U.S. Embassy statement.
On Dec. 12 received a delivery of six helicopters.
The statement said chief Lt. Gen. David Goldfein, who arrived in Lebanon Thursday, took part in a handover ceremony of the six helicopters before winding down his visit to the country.
The U.S said the shipment was part of a multi-million dollar assistance package.
“The six helicopters and spare parts for the new and the Lebanese Armed Forces’ existing Huey I fleet are part of a $58 million military assistance package, the largest single assistance package in the history of U.S.-Lebanese bilateral military relations,” the U.S. Embassy said.
It said the shipment was the “first delivery of rotary wing aircraft to Lebanon in 15 years.”
“The delivery reflects the strong and sustained military cooperation between the two countries as well as U.S. support for Lebanon’s initiatives to implement its obligations under Security Council Resolution 1701,” the statement said.
Lebanese Army commander Gen. discussed with Goldfein military cooperation between Lebanon and the U.S.
Distributed by MCT Information Services
