Lebanese Armed Forces Commander Visits the United States

February 27, 2009

General Jean Kahwaji, Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces, visited the United States the week of February 22 as a guest of the Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Michael Mullen.   During the visit, he received confirmation that the U.S. will soon provide Raven Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to the LAF.  These aircraft will increase the capability of the LAF control Lebanon’s borders and combat terrorism throughout the country. 

In addition to meeting Admiral Mullen, General Kahwaji  met with a number of senior U.S. military and government officials, including U.S. Central Commander General David Petraeus; Army Central Commander, Lieutenant General James Lovelace; and Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, Ambassador Jeffrey D. Feltman.  He also traveled to Fort Benning, Georgia where the U.S. Army trains LAF infantry officers.   General Kahwagi himself graduated from the U.S. Army’s infantry officers advanced course at Fort Benning in 1980.

U. S. officials discussed continued U.S. support to the LAF to help it maintain internal security, fight terrorism, and secure Lebanon’s border and implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.  Support for the LAF remains a pillar of United States' policy towards Lebanon.  The LAF has an important role to play in maintaining law and order, preventing cross-border smuggling, and ensuring that the government is the sole political and military authority in Lebanon. 

General  Kahwaji's visit underscores the strong and enduring bilateral relationship between the United States and Lebanon.