Integrated Russian-American Army Backing
Defense Minister Elias Murr set a balance between Russia and the United States in Lebanon”s defense capabilities, saying Moscow donates air defense and Washington provides armor for ground troops.
The daily An-Nahar quoted Murr as saying the MiG-29 squadron donated by Russia "integrates" U.S. aid to ground forces of the Lebanese Army.
He explained that Washington has pledged Cobra gunships to Lebanon as well as M-60 tanks.
In a related development, a Hizbullah source told the daily al-Liwaa that the party”s stand on the MiG-29 donation would only be taken after Murr returns to Beirut and briefs the cabinet on details of the offer.
However, the unnamed source said Hizbullah "supports any move that can upgrade the army”s capabilities."
"But this step should be within the framework of a clear plan adopted by the cabinet," the source noted.