Fletcher Says Britain Determined to Aid Lebanon, Extends Further Support to Army

إقرأ هذا الخبر بالعربية W460

British Ambassador to Lebanon Fletcher stressed his country's determination to help Lebanon combat terrorism, expressing fear over the “grave dangers” facing the country.

The United Kingdom will “expand its support to Lebanon's resilience,” Fletcher told reporters after meeting with Prime Minister Tammam Salam at the Grand Serail.

He pointed out that his country is determined to be on Lebanon's side to face the “grave dangers,” including the threat formed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

“We will stand beside the Lebanese state to show terrorists that they will find no haven here. Daesh (ISIL) is a threat to all of us.”

“This is about action not words,” the diplomat said.

Clashes took place on Sunday between gunmen from al-Nusra Front, which came from Assal al-Ward in Syria to the outskirts of Hamme and Brital, and Hizbullah fighters.

The clashes come two months after jihadists from the Islamic State group and Al-Nusra attacked Lebanese security forces in the northeastern border town Arsal, which also lies on the Syrian border.

The jihadists withdrew into the mountains around Arsal after a ceasefire, but took with them soldiers and policemen as hostages.

Three of them have since been executed, contributing to rising anxiety in Lebanon over the encroachment of jihadists and spillover from the more than three-year-old war in Syria

Fletcher noted that his country has “already increased tenfold the support to the Lebanese army.”

“We understand the threats that they (soldiers) face on the Syrian border. So, we will train and equip a Third Land Border Regiment,” he said, expressing hope that Lebanon would take full control of its borders.

Fletcher also revealed that his country will create job opportunities, help municipalities to deliver better services and continue its “biggest-ever” humanitarian aid to Syrian refugees.

“We believe in Lebanon’s potential.”

Concerning the ongoing presidential impasse, the British diplomat reiterated calls for the election of a new head of state, saying: “Every day without a President is a missed opportunity. Every day of vacancy is a day when the forces destabilizing the country become stronger. Every day without a Presidential voice makes it harder for us to help Lebanon.”

Lebanon has been without a president since May when the tenure of Michel Suleiman ended.

The majority of the March 8 alliance's MPs have been causing a lack of quorum in sessions aimed at electing a president, leaving the country without a head of state.

“No-one should ever underestimate the resilience of the Lebanese people. Nor the commitment of Lebanon's allies,” Fletcher remarked.

H.K.

M.T.

Comments 1
Default-user-icon bob (Guest) 08 October 2014, 15:47

We should be grateful for any help, but ultimately it is the lebanese who must help themselves. We need to talk to each other and resolve our differences.

We may find support externally, but ultimately all other countries act according to their own interests, we must act according to ours.