Richard: to help Army protect border, confront extremist groups

NNA - The Lebanese Army received on Monday an airplane "Cessna" equipped with missiles, offered by the US authorities, in the framework of the US aid to the LAF. A ceremony was held for this purpose at the Beirut air base at Rafik Hariri International Airport, in the presence of US Ambassador, Elizabeth Richard, Brigadier General, Jean Farah, representing Army commander, General Jean Qahwaji, and ranking dignitaries. Ambassador Richard's word on the occasion dwelled on the "US commitment to the security of Lebanon, and its pride to provide a 'Cessna' aircraft, the third of its kind to be offered to the LAF Air Force." "The United States has handed over the aircraft as part of an integrated package of support in maintenance and training, with a total of about 30 million US dollars," she said, pointing out that "missiles were also offered along with the plane to help the Lebanese Army carry out its tasks along the border against the threats of extremist groups." "The United States' assistance to the Lebanese Army represents a vital aspect of cooperation between the two countries," Richard noted, stressing her country's clinging to strengthening the Lebanese Army's capabilities in protecting Lebanon's borders and defending the sovereignty of the State.