Lebanese national Assembly President Nabih Berri speaks to journalists after talks with French President Nicolas Sarkozy at the presidential Elysee Palace on October 28, 2010 in Paris.
Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has urged the international community to rapidly provide military assistance for the country’s army and security forces, underlining the extremist threat faced by Lebanon.
During a meeting with the representatives of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, Berri asked the envoys “to swiftly support the Army and security forces, and overcome the traditional, protocol mechanism to meet the pressing demands.”
He also spoke to the ambassadors about the threats facing Lebanon from terrorist groups, warning that such dangers could move to other areas, referring to clashes between the Lebanese Army and foreign-sponsored militants from Syria earlier this month.
Among the attendees was US Ambassador David Hale who arrived at Berri’s Ain al-Tineh residence earlier Tuesday afternoon.
According to the National News Agency, the meeting centered on the current situation and developments in Lebanon and the region.
Last year, Saudi Arabia announced a $3 billion grant for the Lebanese Army to purchase military equipment from France, but as of yet no arms deal has been made.
Saudi Arabia is one Middle East’s biggest military spender and is widely reported to be a main funder of the radical groups fighting in Iraq and Syria.
Media reports have talked about complications preventing the Army from receiving needed assistance, including delays on Paris’ behalf.
Days after clashes in the northeastern border region with militants ended, Riyadh announced a further $1 billion grant to the Army and security forces to support their efforts in combating terrorism and the threat of militants.
