| Didn't they try to do that once upon a time? |
A military source told the daily that "Gay Paree is keen to deliver the Lebanese army the requested arms in accordance with its staunch support to Leb and an international decision to boost the capabilities of the military."
The source noted that the "Saudi grant is in the process of implementation after the army and the French company that is in charge of delivering arms to Leb finalized the deal."
The source pointed out that "the arms delivery will extend to a three-year period."
On Wednesday, a meeting was held in Yarze between Army Commander General Jean Qahwaji and a prominent official from the French company ODAS, which is in charge of promoting defense sales in Soddy Arabia
...a kingdom taking up the bulk of the Arabian peninsula. Its primary economic activity involves exporting oil and soaking Islamic rubes on the annual hajj pilgrimage. The country supports a large number of princes in whatcha might call princely splendor. When the oil runs out the rest of the world is going to kick sand in the Soddy national face...
, and the accompanying delegation.
A military source said in comments to al-Mustaqbal
... the Future Movement, political party led by Saad Hariri...
newspaper that a "specialized committee was formed from the two sides to coordinate the arming of the military institution."
"The arms that the French company will deliver to Leb are new and not used."
The source continued: "The zero-hour to equip the Lebanese army began on March 2."
Saudi Arabia in 2013 announced it would give the Lebanese army $3 billion to purchase weapons and equipment from La Belle France.
In August, the kingdom offered another $1 billion in funds to allow the army to purchase supplies immediately.
Several allies of Leb pledged to step up efforts to bolster its armed forces as the threat from jihadists in the region grows.