U.S. General Meets Lebanese Leaders, Voices Support for Strengthening Lebanese Army
U.S. Central Command Commander General James Mattis renewed on Friday his country’s commitment to a stable, sovereign and independent Lebanon.
He underscored the United States’ “support in strengthening the capacity of the Lebanese Armed Forces, recognizing its importance in serving as Lebanon’s sole legitimate defense force to secure Lebanon’s borders and defend the sovereignty and independence of the state.”
Mattis made his statements during his trip to Lebanon where he met with President Michel Suleiman, Prime Minister Najib Miqati, Speaker Nabih Berri, Defense Minister Fayez Ghosn, and Army Commander General Jean Qahwaji.
In his meetings, Mattis discussed the political and security situation in Lebanon and other regional issues, said the U.S. Embassy in a statement.
He further emphasized the strong and sustained military cooperation between the two countries as well as Lebanon’s initiatives to implement its obligations under United Nations Security Council resolution 1701.
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