Bassil Calls for 'Common Front' against IS 'Monsters'
Foreign Minister Jebran Bassil on Wednesday urged the international community to present a "common front" against the ruthless Islamic State group in what he called a battle between "humanity" and "monsters."
In an interview to appear in Thursday's edition of French daily Le Figaro, Bassil said: "We cannot exclude anyone with the desire and the means" to fight the IS.
"Without going so far as to speak of an alliance, we need a common front. If not, the jihadists will pile in to the slightest void. It's a battle of principle. A battle of humanity against monsters," added Bassil.
He said that Lebanon was "impatiently" waiting for a delivery of French-made weapons paid for by a three-billion-dollar loan from Saudi Arabia.
Earlier this month, France and Saudi Arabia said they were putting the final touches on the arms deal for Lebanon, following talks between French President Francois Hollande and the Saudi crown prince.
"We are assured there is no political obstacle but that the delay is due to technical and logistical problems," said Bassil.
"Support for the Lebanese army is indispensable for the success of the international community against terrorism, of which Lebanon will have to be a part," he added.
Islamic extremists overran the Lebanese border town of Arsal last month, killing and capturing a number of soldiers and police officers.
The fighting between Lebanese troops and the militants was the most serious spillover yet of Syria's conflict into the neighboring country.
Source: Agence France Presse
| Copyright © 2012 Naharnet.com. All Rights Reserved. | https://naharnet.com/stories/en/146952 |