Miqati Vows to Strengthen Lebanese Armed Forces to Replace UNIFIL

Prime Minister Najib Miqati stressed on Saturday that Lebanon is committed to all the international resolutions especially United Nations resolution 1701, vowing to reinforce the Lebanese army to replace the UNIFIL in the south.

Miqati said during a meeting with Ireland President Mary McAleese at the Grand Serail that he will put his efforts to “strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces to be able to replace the peace keeping forces in the South.”

He expressed Lebanon’s appreciation “for the sacrifices undertaken by Ireland to help (Lebanon).”

Miqati held a meeting with McAleese in the presence of Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour, Defense Minister Fayez Ghosn, Economy and Trade Minister Nicolas Nahhas and Lebanese army Chief of Staff Major General Walid Salman.

The PM remembered fallen Irish peacekeepers affiliated in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The Irish force had lost 47 troops, the greatest loss sustained by any UNIFIL contributor state

On her Part, McAleese said that Ireland was able to “help Lebanon preserve peace and stability.”

She urged the Lebanese authorities to “protect the UNIFIL peacekeepers.”

McAleese hoped that the two countries strengthen their bilateral relations and develop the economic relations.

She stressed that her country backs Lebanon and will offer its support concerning development, economic and social issues.

Ireland is one of 34 countries in UNIFIL who contribute armed personnel, to the 11,873 uniformed personnel in south Lebanon.