Ya Libnan

UN: It is important to arm the Lebanese army

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UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Michael Williams was quoted by As-Safir newspaper as saying that improved Lebanese-Syrian relations will play a part in border demarcation between the two countries.

Commenting on arming the Lebanese army he said :

“It is very important to arm the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and the cabinet must take a serious decision on the matter,” adding that the LAF has shown its command abilities in southern Lebanon.

Williams added : “LAF plays a central role in the South, which was possible through the implementation of resolution 1701.”

“Coordination between UNIFIL and the army is necessary, as without it, these troops would not be able to work in southern Lebanon”, Williams also said

Regarding the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL), Williams said he understands the concerns over its effect on the country, adding that he is confident the Lebanese institutions would be able to withstand any difficulties caused by STL

The UN supports Syria and Saudi Arabia’s commitment to Lebanon’s stability, Williams also said. “[Good relations] between Syria and Saudi Arabia are not only important for Lebanon, but for the [entire] Middle East,” he added.

Williams said the UN Security Council will take the final decision regarding extending UNIFIL’s term in Lebanon on August 30, adding that he does not think substantial changes will be made in its mandate.

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4 responses to “UN: It is important to arm the Lebanese army”

  1. Tony A Avatar
    Tony A

    finally the UN says something intelligent. arm the LAF already.

    like i said in previous posts, the lebanese syrian opening of embassies with each other will also bring about the demarcation of borders that will help ease tension more.

    then we can go on to any other issues like prisoners, maybe even demanding syrian payments to lebanon for its many years of occupation. dont we deserve some sort of settlement for that?

  2. Tony A Avatar
    Tony A

    finally the UN says something intelligent. arm the LAF already.

    like i said in previous posts, the lebanese syrian opening of embassies with each other will also bring about the demarcation of borders that will help ease tension more.

    then we can go on to any other issues like prisoners, maybe even demanding syrian payments to lebanon for its many years of occupation. dont we deserve some sort of settlement for that?

  3. VOICE OF TRUTH Avatar
    VOICE OF TRUTH

    in order for the lebanese armed forces to change their role from simple bystanders to active participants on the lebanese scene,it is important to arm them with reliable weapons having the least strings attached, but it is equally as important for the lebanese to know and preferably ahead of time what is the laf gonna do with these weapons???

    first of all these weapons should help the laf to protect lebanon’s borders from foreign, sea, land or air agressions, coming from israel or from other unspecified countries.

    these weapons should be mostly for defensive purposes when lebanon is attacked, keeeping in mind this : we will not and do not want to achieve military parity with israel,it is a powerful ennemy to avoid and not to provoque, and throwing israel in the sea is and will not be in the laf’s agenda.

    second and equally as important, these weapons should entitle the lebanese government to spread its authority throughout lebanon and monopolize the use of force.

    that means the government should start considering the complete implementation of the taef accord and un resolutions regarding the illegal armed groups in the country and have the capability of using gentle and not so gentle persuation with any armed groups or organizations, lebanese or foreign, that dont fall under its total control.

    that means also, if need be, and as a final resort and worst case scenario the right and the duty of the lebanese government to request without any delay or hesitation appropriate neutral foreign military assistance that will help in the implementation of these goals.

    the latest tragic events and the ones before, witnessed in beirut and elsewhere, are a solid proof that the inaction of the lebanese government during the last few years could end up costing the country much more than implementing the above worst case scenario.

  4. VOICE OF TRUTH Avatar
    VOICE OF TRUTH

    in order for the lebanese armed forces to change their role from simple bystanders to active participants on the lebanese scene,it is important to arm them with reliable weapons having the least strings attached, but it is equally as important for the lebanese to know and preferably ahead of time what is the laf gonna do with these weapons???

    first of all these weapons should help the laf to protect lebanon’s borders from foreign, sea, land or air agressions, coming from israel or from other unspecified countries.

    these weapons should be mostly for defensive purposes when lebanon is attacked, keeeping in mind this : we will not and do not want to achieve military parity with israel,it is a powerful ennemy to avoid and not to provoque, and throwing israel in the sea is and will not be in the laf’s agenda.

    second and equally as important, these weapons should entitle the lebanese government to spread its authority throughout lebanon and monopolize the use of force.

    that means the government should start considering the complete implementation of the taef accord and un resolutions regarding the illegal armed groups in the country and have the capability of using gentle and not so gentle persuation with any armed groups or organizations, lebanese or foreign, that dont fall under its total control.

    that means also, if need be, and as a final resort and worst case scenario the right and the duty of the lebanese government to request without any delay or hesitation appropriate neutral foreign military assistance that will help in the implementation of these goals.

    the latest tragic events and the ones before, witnessed in beirut and elsewhere, are a solid proof that the inaction of the lebanese government during the last few years could end up costing the country much more than implementing the above worst case scenario.

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