Ghosn Says Army Controlling Lebanese Territories, Hails Decision to Equip it

Defense Minister Fayez Ghosn considered on Monday the cabinet's decision to equip the Lebanese army a “strong moral boost,” stressing that the military institution was able to control the security chaos across Lebanon.

“The decision helps the army carry out the tasks assigned to it across the country,” Ghosn told As Safir newspaper.

The minister noted that he has been seeking the government's approval on this plan since he first assumed his responsibilities as a defense minister, hoping that the parliament would swiftly approve it.

The Cabinet approved last week a 1.6-billion-dollar plan to provide the Lebanese army with the necessary equipment and arms. The payments will be made over a five-year period.

Ghosn admits that the funds are not enough to properly equip the military institution, expressing hope that the foreign aid for the army will help it advance.

“The donor nations will soon hold a meeting to provide Lebanon with the necessary help in various fields,” he said.

According to the minister, the importance of such a decision is that “all the cabinet members agreed on it.”

He hailed the stances taken by President Michel Suleiman and Prime Minister Najib Miqati over the matter.

Asked about the raids carried out by the army across Lebanon to detain outlaws, Ghosn said that “it is working on resolving the security chaos one step at a time. The Intelligence Branch is exerting efforts to arrest those who are violating security in the country.”

“The army is controlling all the areas across Lebanon,” he added.

The army recently launched a crackdown on assailants in Beirut's southern suburbs and several other areas in an attempt to halt a kidnapping spree of several businessmen and stop numerous bank robberies.