Suleiman announces Saudi aid to Lebanon

Lebanese President Michel Suleiman said here on Sunday Saudi Arabia would provide USD three billion in aid to the Lebanese Army in order to boost and beef up its capabilities. In a message to the Lebanese people in the wake of a recent explosion in the country, Suleiman said the Saudi aid would help the Lebanese Army get French weapons. Thanking Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz for the initiative, he said: "The Saudi aid to the Lebanese Army is the largest in the history of Lebanon." On Lebanon's security, Suleiman said: "I have taken an oath to work for the protection of Lebanon," said Suleiman, outlining his initiatives for creating an international safety umbrella for Lebanon and submitting a proposal to the national dialogue body to solve the issue of weapons in the country. "Lebanon is threatened by sectarian conflict and extremism," he said, stressing that strengthening the Army's capabilities becomes a national demand in this respect. In this regard, the Lebanese leader pointed to ongoing efforts to form a new government at an early date. Source: KUNA