On May 22, Biden spent seven hours in Beirut in the first visit by a
U.S. vice president since 1983. Biden said the administration was preparing
to deliver a range of offensive military platforms to Lebanon.
The vice president said the platforms would include M-60 MBTs, armored
personnel carriers, fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft with guided missiles,
artillery, tactical vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles. Biden did not say
when these weapons would be delivered.
"We are committed to playing a central role, to the extent you wish us
to do so, in guaranteeing that sovereignty for a democratic Lebanon," Biden
said.
Since 2006, the United States has relayed $410 million in military aid
to Lebanon. Most of the aid has gone for Humvee combat vehicles, light
ammunition and training.
Officials said the future of U.S. military assistance to Lebanon could
be determined by the results of parliamentary elections on June 7. The
Iranian-sponsored Hizbullah was expected to win the elections.
"I did not come here to back any institution or political party," Biden
said. "The shape and composition of Lebanon's government is for the Lebanese
people to decide. No one else can decide but the Lebanese people.
