Officials said Obama discussed reports that Syria had shipped Scud-class
ballistic missiles to Hizbullah in Lebanon. The White House statement on the
meeting, however, cited only Iran's supply of weapons to Hizbullah, reported
to have amassed an arsenal of more than 50,000 missiles and rockets, Middle East Newsline reported.
Since 2006, Washington has delivered nearly $550 million worth of
weapons and military equipment to Lebanon. In April 2010, Beirut received
the first U.S. heavy weapons in the form of anti-tank missiles.
Officials said the administration has encountered concern from Congress
over the U.S. aid program to the Hariri government, dominated by the
Iranian-sponsored Hizbullah. But they said Congress was told that the
weapons sent to Lebanon were defensive and meant to block attacks by
foreign enemies or their proxies.
"The president stressed the importance of efforts to ensure Iran
complies with its international nonproliferation obligations, and the threat
posed by the transfer of weapons into Lebanon in violation of UNSCR [United
Nations Security Council Resolution] 1701," the White House said.
Officials said Obama has pledged to maintain weapons and other military
shipments to Lebanon in 2010. They said Obama told Hariri that U.S. defense and military aid would serve to bolster the
troubled government in Beirut.
"During their meeting, the president expressed his determination to
continue U.S. efforts to support and strengthen Lebanese institutions such
as the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Internal Security Forces, and to
contribute to the economic growth and development of Lebanon," the White
House said.
Hariri and Obama met at the White House on May 24 amid growing unrest
in Lebanon. Officials said the prime minister reviewed the security
situation in Lebanon, including internal and external threats.
Over the next year, Lebanon has been promised such U.S. military aid as
the M-60A3 main battle tank, Raven unmanned aerial vehicle as well as the
prospect of artillery and helicopters. Officials said Washington has been
coordinating the military aid with other allies of Lebanon, including France
and the United Arab Emirates.