Lebanese Army commander Gen. Joseph Aoun meets with a delegation of US Congressmen in Yarzeh, on Feb. 24, 2023. (Credit: Twitter/@LebArmy)
BEIRUT — During a meeting with US congressmen, Lebanese Army commander General Joseph Aoun praised the "essential" role of Washington in supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), reported the state-run National News Agency (NNA) on Friday.
The NNA reported that during the meeting, Aoun said "US support has an essential role in making the army continue its job and relieving the hardships of the [economic] crisis on the soldiers."
The congressmen “praised the professionalism of the army and its good use of US aid which makes it practically ready and united and capable of securing peace and stability in Lebanon in spite of the hardships."
The delegation also stressed on the "importance of the continuation of the cooperation" with the LAF and "giving aid to overcome the current period."
The LAF regularly receives material aid from the United States. In December 2022, it received three military helicopters provided by the United States.
In November, the US donated 13 Humvee military vehicles, 11 other vehicles and military equipment to the LAF and pledged $72 million in humanitarian assistance to Lebanon. In January of the same year, the US stated that it planned to reroute $67 million of military assistance for Lebanon's armed forces to support members of the military as the country grapples with financial meltdown.
Aoun is on the list of potential presidential candidates. By Lebanese law, army commander's must be resigned from the post two years before running for president. However Aoun's election is possible, considering parliament's power to amend the constitution with a vote of two thirds of its members present, the same number of members required to secure the needed quorum to get him elected.