Saudi Says Lebanon Arms Deal with France Not Blocked
France's $3 billion Saudi-funded deal to provide military supplies to Lebanon has not been canceled, the Saudi foreign minister said Wednesday, despite the delays.
"There is an agreement... there is no blockage. Everything is proceeding normally," said Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir during a visit to Paris.
Lebanon received the first tranche of weapons designed to bolster its army against jihadist threats, including anti-tank guided missiles, in April, but press reports have since indicated that the $3 billion program has run into obstacles.
On Wednesday, a French diplomatic source denied the deal had been canceled but said there were delays.
"It is being evaluated at the request of the Saudis for political reasons because Saudi Arabia is extremely cautious on the issue that these materials go only to the Lebanese army," the source said.
"The Saudis want guarantees that this material is not diverted to other forces."
"The work is ongoing but we are confident that the program will be put into practice in all its dimensions," said the diplomatic source.
Source: Agence France Presse
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