Gen. Petraeus From Iraq to Central Command Via Lebanon
Commander of U.S. troops in Iraq General David Petraeus held talks with President Michel Suleiman during a surprise visit to Beirut on Wednesday, offering further military support to Lebanon.
Petraeus also met acting army commander Shawki al-Masri and discussed how to "strengthen the army”s defensive capabilities, training and logistics," an army statement said.
He held talks with Suleiman on providing U.S. equipment to Lebanon and on key developments in the region, the president”s office said.
Petraeus also met Prime Minister Fouad Saniora and Defense Minister Elias Murr.
Petraeus has been named to command the U.S. Central Command, where he will oversee military operations throughout the Middle East. He is expected to take up the post in September.
The trip follows a visit on May 31 when U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Eric Edelman "stressed the United States” commitment to enhancing the LAF”s (Lebanese armed forces) capabilities."
Since 2006, Washington has committed more than 371 million dollars (240 million euros) in security assistance to Lebanon.