Qahwaji in U.S. Next Month, Reviews Deals on Arming Troops

Army Commander General Jean Qahwaji is scheduled to travel to Washington early next month at the head of a delegation for talks with U.S. officials regarding military cooperation between the two countries, An Nahar daily reported on Friday.

“The visit is set to take place between the first and third of February,” an unnamed source told the daily, adding: “The talks will review the military cooperation between the two countries including reinforcements to the Lebanese army, troops training and coordinating efforts in the fight against terrorism.”

The visit comes following reports claiming that a one billion dollar Saudi grant that was approved in 2013 in the wake of the Arsal clashes between troops and jihadists has been halted by Riyadh. The grant would benefit the troops in strengthening its security.

The last time Lebanon received military aid was in October 2015. The shipment provided the army with 50 “Hellfire” air-to-ground missiles and 560 artillery rounds, including some precision munitions. This represents $8.6 million worth of U.S. security assistance to Lebanon and boosts the army's ability to secure Lebanon’s borders against violent extremists.

Since 2004, America has provided over $1.3 billion dollars in security assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces, including both training and equipment.

D.A.

G.K.