Lebanese President Michel Suleiman asked the United States to equip the Lebanese army with advanced weaponry in order to confront terrorism and protect civil peace in Lebanon, local Daily Star reported Wednesday.
Suleiman made the demand when meeting with U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State David Hale, and both sides discussed on the ways to enhance political and military cooperation between Beirut and Washington.
"It is the first time that Lebanon and the U.S. agree on this kind of cooperation, it is a long term cooperation of military partnership aimed at facing mutual challenges in fighting terrorism," Hale told reporters.
Lebanon and the U.S. signed Monday three military contracts worth 63 million U.S. dollars in U.S. grants to the Lebanese army.
The grants are to provide the army with secure communication, ammunition, and infantry weapons.
Hale as well, briefed Suleiman on the outcomes of his talks with Lebanese officials. He had met earlier with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Fouad Seniora.
Source: Xinhua
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