UK, U.S. Ambassadors Meet Gen. Aoun, Discuss Border Security Project

W460

British Ambassador to Lebanon Hugo Shorter and the U.S. Ambassador Elizabeth Richard have met Lebanese Army Commander General Joseph Aoun to discuss progress on the security of the Lebanese-Syrian border, a UK embassy statement said.

“The High Level Steering Committee was an opportunity to congratulate the Lebanese Army on maintaining peace and security after Lebanon’s first parliamentary elections since 2009, which took place on 6 May,” the statement said.

“This was also the first meeting after the Rome II conference in which the UK announced further support of approximately $13 million to Lebanese security forces,” the statement added.

The UK and the U.S. and other international donors will continue to “support the LAF (Lebanese Armed Forces) in their mission to secure the northern and eastern borders and vulnerable near-border communities through increased mentoring, training and provision of equipment,” the British statement noted.

Shorter said after the meeting: “It has been an important year for Lebanon politically with the parliamentary elections last weekend, economically on CEDRE (conference), and security wise on Rome II.”

“The courage and professionalism of the Armed Forces who risk their lives daily to protect their country, have earned them the trust and respect of the public. The United Kingdom will remain a strong partner of Lebanon as it addresses the crucial challenges ahead on stability, security and prosperity,” the ambassador added.

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