Press Releases 2008

Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Eric Edelman Visits Lebanon

May 31, 2008

U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Ambassador Eric S. Edelman visited Beirut on May 31, 2008.  While here, he met with President Michel Suleiman, Prime Minister-designate Fouad Siniora, Minister of Defense Elias Murr, Acting Lebanese Armed Forces Commander Major General Shawki Al-Masri, and Parliamentary Majority Leader Saad Hariri. 

Ambassador Edelman and the Lebanese officials continued discussions of plans to strengthen the U.S.-Lebanon bilateral defense relationship.  Since 2006, the United States has committed over $371 million in security assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), and the United States will continue to provide equipment and training to the LAF.  Part of this assistance is modern body armor and helmets which were delivered to the LAF during Ambassador Edelman’s visit.

In his meetings, Ambassador Edelman stressed the United States’ 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.