PRESS RELEASES 2008

Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Eric Edelman Visits Lebanon

February 12, 2008

U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Ambassador Eric S. Edelman visited Beirut again on February 12, 2008.  While here, he met with Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Elias Murr and Lebanese Armed Forces Commander General Michel Sleiman.  Arriving two days before the third anniversary of the assassination of Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri, Ambassador Edelman underscored U.S. support for the democratically-elected Lebanese government.

Ambassador Edelman and the Lebanese officials continued discussions of plans to strengthen the U.S.-Lebanon bilateral defense relationship begun during his last visit to Lebanon in October, 2007.  Since 2006, the United States has committed $321 million in security assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), and the United States will continue to provide equipment and training to the LAF.

Ambassador Edelman’s meetings also emphasized the U.S. commitment to building the capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces.  The United States will continue to support the government of Lebanon and the LAF as they continue their efforts to safeguard the peace, unity and sovereignty of Lebanon.