Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Eric Edelman Visits Lebanon

October 17, 2008

U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Ambassador Eric S. Edelman visited Beirut on October 17, 2008.  While here, he met with Prime Minister Fouad Siniora and Lebanese Armed Forces Commander Lieutenant General Jean Kahwagi. 

Building on previous discussions between Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, President Michel Suleiman, and Minister of Defense Elias Murr, Ambassador Edelman and the Lebanese officials followed up on the recent joint military commission discussions designed to strengthen the U.S.-Lebanon bilateral defense relationship.  Since 2006, the United States has committed more than $410 million in security assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), and the United States will continue to provide equipment and training to the LAF.  During Edelman’s meeting with LTG Kahwagi, the two signed an agreement for the LAF to receive additional automatic grenade launchers.  These weapons are part of the $410 million in grants that the U.S. Government has provided to the LAF.

In his meetings, Ambassador Edelman stressed the United States’ continuous commitment to enhancing the LAF’s capabilities.  The United States will continue to support the government of Lebanon and the LAF as they continue to safeguard the peace, unity and sovereignty of Lebanon.