U.S. to supply first offensive systems to Lebanon since 1980s
Monday, May 25, 2009 E-Mail this story Free Headline Alerts
NICOSIA — The United States plans to send its first offensive military systems to Lebanon, depending on the outcome of the June 7 elections.
Vice President Joseph Biden declined to clarify during his visit to Beirut last week whether the plans would be scuttled should Hizbullah strengthen its influence on the government, as expected, following the election.
Officials said the administration of President Barack Obama has approved the delivery of missiles, artillery and main battle tanks to the Lebanese Army. They said this would mark the first offensive systems to Lebanon since the 1980s.
"The U.S. will evaluate the shape of its assistance program based on the composition of the new government and the policies it is advocating," Vice President Joseph Biden said.
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.