Lebanon receives French arms for fighting terrorism

BEIRUT: Lebanon on Monday received the first French weapons in a $3 billion Saudi-funded program intended to bolster its army to take on militant threats, particularly along its border with Syria.
French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian accompanied the first tranche of weapons, including anti-tank guided missiles, which were handed over at an air force base in Beirut.
“France and Lebanon have a fraternal relationship that has been marked over the past three years by a sharp deterioration in the security situation in the Levant, which has become an existential threat to the region,” Le Drian said.
“Lebanon is under unprecedented pressure (from terror groups)... and this makes border control vital for its security,” he added.
“In this critical context, it is therefore essential that Lebanon’s friends and allies mobilize to contribute to its security and stability.”
Over the next four years, France is expected to deliver to Lebanon 250 combat and transport vehicles, seven Cougar helicopters, three small warships and a range of surveillance and communications equipment.
The contract also promises seven years of training for the 70,000-strong Lebanese Army and 10 years of equipment maintenance.
At the ceremony on Monday, Lebanon’s Defense Minister Samir Mokbel welcomed the delivery, saying the country’s fight against extremism was a common battle.
“A victory for Lebanon against terrorism is a victory for all countries, near and far, who are threatened by terrorism,” he said.
He thanked Saudi Arabia for financing the weapons delivery and France for “its deep understanding of all the threats that Lebanon faces, whether militarily at the border, or internally with the influx of refugees that threatens general stability.”
Saudi ambassador to Lebanon Ali Awad Asiri said the Kingdom’s financing came as “Lebanon faces more challenges than ever.”
“The Kingdom’s gift will support the Lebanese Army and legitimacy in Lebanon,” he said.
“It is support for a legitimate army that ensures stability at a time when Lebanon faces security challenges.”