UNIPATH STAFF
The Lebanese Armed Forces is the beneficiary of a European Union (EU) initiative to support the country’s security efforts. Called the Security Sector Reform Lebanon project, the initiative provides technical assistance to the Armed Forces and to the General Directorate of General Security. This project is funded by a 3.6 million euro grant and offers a full range of security expertise to the Armed Forces and the security directorate.
Speaking at the initiative’s first committee meeting, Ambassador Christina Lassen, head of EU’s delegation to Lebanon, spoke about the importance of the two entities keeping Lebanon safe from external and internal threats. “The Lebanese Armed Forces and the General Security are on the forefront in the fight against terrorism, the control of illegal immigration and the internal stability of the country,” she said. “I … commend your Soldiers and all other personnel for their commitment to their country in a time where Lebanon is on the front line in our joint fight against terrorism.”
Lebanese Army Gen. Jean Kahwagi, whose term as commander was extended in September 2016, thanked the EU for its support. “This project comes to reaffirm the EU’s commitment to the Army to support the Lebanese security institutions, to be able to carry out a national role in protecting Lebanon and maintaining stability, in light of the difficult conditions experienced at more than one level,” Kahwagi said.
He praised the Army’s achievements fighting terrorism along the border. “We will pursue all the terrorist organizations, and we will arrest them to safeguard Lebanon.”
Sources: Reuters, Lebanese Ministry of Information