U.S. Deputy Secretary of State to Meet Prominent Leaders during Short Visit

The U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, is expected to carry out a two-day visit to Lebanon to discuss the latest developments and the bilateral ties.

Local newspapers said that Blinken, who will arrive on Sunday, will hold talks with Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Tammam Salam, Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi, Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Daryan, Army Commander General Jean Qahwaji and Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh.

Blinken will reportedly tackle with the prominent leaders the U.S. aid to the Lebanese army to fortify its capabilities in its battle against terrorism.

The Lebanese army has been engaged in fierce battles with jihadists who remain entrenched on the outskirts of the country's northeastern border.

The armed forces are also cracking down on outlaws across the country with the aims of quelling violence and reducing the repercussions of the war in Syria on Lebanon.

Several detained suspects are allegedly affiliated to Islamist groups.

The U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration, Anne Richard, is currently in Beirut after attending the third International Pledging Conference for Syria held in Kuwait on Tuesday.

Richard is expected to announce new humanitarian assistance to Syrian refugees residing in Lebanon.

Lebanon is hosting around 1.5 million refugees.

H.K.

G.K.