Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations, Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Affairs, and the Director of Strategy, Plans and Policy for the U.S. Central Command Visit Lebanon

August 27, 2008

The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict,  Michael Vickers, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Affairs, Mary Beth Long, and the Director of Strategy, Plans and Policy for the U.S. Central Command, Major General Robert R. Allardice, visited Lebanon on August 27, 2008.  Accompanied by U.S. Ambassador Michele J. Sison, the visitors met with President Michel Suleiman, the Acting Army Commander, Major General Shawki Al-Masri, and the Minister of Defense, Elias Murr.  The discussions focused on the continued assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces so it can maintain peace and stability, and safeguard the Lebanese people.

Since 2006, the United States has committed over $410 million to the Lebanese Armed Forces.  The United States is committed to building the capabilities of the LAF and it 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.