Egypt Ready to Arm Lebanese Military, Pledged Unlimited Support to Army
Egypt has pledged full support to the Lebanese army and expressed readiness to manufacture the establishment”s arms, Lebanese Defense Minister said Wednesday after talks with the Egyptian president, the Kuwait News Agency report.
Murr arrived in Cairo Tuesday for talks with Egyptian officials on possible military assistance to the Lebanese Army.
Speaking to reporters, Murr said President Hosni Mubarak reaffirmed Egypt”s support for the Lebanese government and pledged "unlimited support for the Lebanese army," Kuna said. Murr added that Egypt "has expressed readiness to manufacture weapons for the Lebanese army should the need arise."
Murr announced a trip to Egypt by President Michel Suleiman over the next three weeks. Suleiman will be heading a technical team to Egypt”s plans to "provide the Lebanese army with the required military equipment and munitions."
Murr”s visit coincided with that of Mustaqbal Movement leader Saad Hariri, who also met with Mubarak on Tuesday. Hariri had set the stage for Russian military assistance that was declared during a visit by Murr to Moscow, which included 10 MIG29 jet fighters.
In addition to military assistance, Murr and Mubarak discussed recent developments in the region including the Israeli-offensive on the Gaza Strip last month, the defense minister told reporters.