US general, Kahwaji discuss military cooperation

An American general with the United States’ Central Command (USCENTCOM) praised over the weekend strong and sustained military cooperation between Lebanon and the U.S. during a meeting with Gen. Jean Kahwaji. “The generals discussed Lebanon and regional issues, with [USCENTCOM commander] General Mattis noting appreciation for the strong and sustained military cooperation between the two countries and emphasizing U.S. support for Lebanon’s initiatives to implement its obligations under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701,” A U.S. Embassy statement said Sunday. U.N. Security Council Resolution 1710 helped broker an end of hostilities in south Lebanon following a 33-day conflict between Lebanon and Israel. The two, according to the statement, discussed Lebanon and regional issues. Mattis also stressed USCENTCOM’s continuing effort to strengthen the capacity of the Lebanese Army, “recognizing its importance, as Lebanon’s sole legitimate defense force, in securing Lebanon’s borders and defending the sovereignty and independence of the state.” The U.S. general also renewed the United States’ commitment to a stable, sovereign and independent Lebanon. (daily star) According to the Lebanese Army’s website, Kahwaji met Mattis as head of U.S. delegation and the two discussed bilateral ties between the two countries and means of developing the U.S. assistance program to the Lebanese Army, “as well as other subjects of joint interest.”