UK support to Lebanon no secret
Ambassador Fletcher met Speaker Berri: We remain determined to support Lebanon’s stability and its fight against terrorism. That’s no secret
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British Ambassador to Lebanon Tom Fletcher met with Speaker Nabih Berri today in Ain El Tineh.
Fletcher said:
I was pleased to meet Speaker Berri today to discuss the situation in the region, the ongoing dialogue over the Presidential vacuum, and the collective effort to reduce tension inside Lebanon.
We also discussed UK backing for Lebanon’s stability. There has been some speculation in recent days about ‘secret’ support to the Army. I want to be clear about what we are providing. Since 2012, as I have previously announced, the UK has been supporting efforts by the LAF Land Border Regiments to observe and deter illegal armed actors in the border areas. We have allocated almost 18m UKP to construct Protected Border Observation Posts along 140km of the border, and to deliver Land Rovers, body armour, secure communications and ballistic protection for LAF positions. Alongside international partners, we are helping to give the Lebanese Armed Forces the training and equipment to match their courage.
We remain determined to support Lebanon’s stability and its fight against terrorism. That’s no secret.