Naharnet

Report: Lebanese-Russian Arms Deal Hits Sanctions Snag

A deal that the Lebanese army had signed with Russia to buy anti-tank guided missiles and rocket launchers is facing an obstacle caused by the western sanctions imposed on Russia, As Safir daily reported on Tuesday.

The newspaper said that the agreement with Moscow to buy Kornet missiles and the long range rocket launchers faced technical and political problems because Lebanese authorities failed to transfer 38 million dollars to Russia.

The transfer could not take place over the sanctions imposed on Moscow due to the Ukrainian crisis.

Meanwhile, As Safir quoted military sources as saying that Jordan's King Abdullah II informed Army chief Gen. Jean Qahwaji during his recent visit to Amman that both countries would fight terrorism with all their powers.

The sources said that Qahwaji asked Abdullah to intensify Jordan's military aid to Lebanon.

Qahwaji's request prompted the king to ask Jordan's military chief, who attended the meeting, to provide Lebanon with arms, ammunition and training, added the sources.

As Safir expected a Jordanian delegation to visit Beirut soon for that purpose.

Jordan delivered in February heavy military equipment to the Lebanese army to bolster its fight against jihadist militants crossing from Syria.

G.K.

H.K.


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