UK Announces $25 Million in Security Aid to Lebanon

Arab World

November 1st, 11:16am

Asharq Al-Awsat

A demonstrator reacts during a police operation to open a blocked highway during anti-government protests in Beirut, Lebanon, October 26, 2019. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir

The UK announced on Friday up to $25 million in support to the Lebanese army and security forces for 2019-2022. The move is “part of our ongoing support to the sole legitimate defender of Lebanon,” the British embassy in Beirut said on Twitter. “The security forces are entrusted with keeping Lebanon safe - including securing the borders, stopping terrorism and protecting peaceful protests,” it added. The announcement came the same day two US officials told Reuters that President Donald Trump's administration is withholding $105 million in security aid for Lebanon.. The State Department told Congress on Thursday that the White House budget office and National Security Council had decided to withhold the foreign military assistance, the officials said. Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri resigned on Tuesday following huge protests against the ruling elite.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/1971611/uk-announces-25-million-security-aid-lebanon