LOC18:03
15:03 GMT
BEIRUT, Sept 24 (KUNA) -- The Lebanese government has endorsed a plan to
equip the army that also contains purchasing helicopters and spare parts, its
defense minister said on Monday.
The approved four-year armament plan, worth USD 1.6b, will cover weapons,
materials and helicopters for the national army, Lebanon's Defense Minister
Fayez Ghosn told local newspaper, As-Safir.
Ghosn stressed the need for helicopters, and the significance of purchasing
these weapons for the army to ensure the safety of the people of Lebanon. "The
security in Lebanon is of utmost importance as well as its army that
guarantees the safety of the Lebanese people", he noted.
The army is tasked with vital responsibilities in securing the southern,
western, eastern and maritime borders as well as internally, he explained.
Ghosn pointed out the a future meeting will be held with donor countries in
order to help Lebanon in various fields, and foremost the Lebanese army.
Earlier this month, the Lebanese army implemented security missions in
al-Dahiya south of Beirut, that arrested wanted men and halted kidnappings,
Ghosn added. (end)
oh.hs
KUNA 241803 Sep 12NNNN