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| Syria-Lebanon-Iran |
| US can keep 'conditional' aid: Lebanon minister |
| 2010-08-12 |
| [Al Arabiya Latest] Lebanon criticized on Wednesday moves by U.S. lawmakers to block aid for the military over concerns it was working closely with militant Shiite Hezbollah, after a deadly cross-border clash between Lebanon and Israel. Defense Minister Elias al-Murr told reporters any party that wished to help the military had to do so without conditions. "That person who said in Congress, 'I will stop aid to the army', he is free to do so ... Anyone who wants to help the army without restrictions or conditions, is welcome," Murr said. "This person wants to make military aid conditional on not protecting (Lebanon's) land, people and borders against Israeli aggression. Let them keep their money or give it to Israel. We will confront (Israel) with the capabilities we own." Israel complained to the United States and France about funds to the Lebanese army after a skirmish killed a senior Israeli officer, two Lebanese soldiers and a Lebanese journalist in the worst border violence since a 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war. Lebanese President Michel Suleiman launched an initiative to build up the underequipped army, prompting Iran, which supports Lebanon's militant Shiite group Hezbollah, to offer support. The U.S. State Department said the statement by Iran, which is likely to alarm Western countries who fear Tehran is increasing its influence near Israel's northern border, demonstrated the need for continued U.S. support to Lebanon. The United States has provided more than $720 million in assistance to the army since 2006 to Lebanon. |
| Posted by:Fred |
| #2 The minister doesn't have to worry. Obama wants to help him. |
| Posted by: Ebbang Uluque6305 2010-08-12 12:09 |
| #1 Sounds like "nothing" to me... |
| Posted by: mojo 2010-08-12 11:03 |