Lebanese Defense Minister Elias Murr says US Vice President Biden promised to provide Middle Eastern country with 42 fighter jets as well as helicopters, UAVs and tanks, regardless of election results.
US Vice President Joe Biden promised that Washington will provide the Lebanese army with 42 fighter jets, helicopters, UAVs and tanks, Arab media outlets reported on Saturday.
On Friday Biden concluded a brief one-day visit to Lebanon, during which he met mostly with leaders affiliated with the anti-Syrian camp, including Defense Minister Elias Murr.
Murr said tat the American vice president pledged to have the said weapons delivered to Lebanon, and that the aid package would be given to the country unconditionally, although Biden on Friday said that the aid hinges on the outcome of the upcoming general elections.
The aid package is estimated to be worth hundreds of millions of US dollars.
Biden wrapped up his seven-hour visit at Beirut airport Friday, standing before an array of military equipment, including tanks, armored personnel carriers and helicopters that he said are part of more than half a billion dollars in US military assistance to Lebanon since 2005.
"We believe it's crucial that you be able to do your mission to defend the state and citizens of Lebanon," Biden said, standing Murr.
"One army, one armed group, one police power, one capability to control your own country," he added.
Murr thanked US President Barack Obama and stated, "Our only obligation is to protect Lebanon and its borders, fight terror and uphold UN Resolution 1701."
by Roee Nahmias
(ynet)
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