The UK Defence Senior Advisor to the Middle East and North Africa
(DSAME), Vice Admiral Edward Ahlgren, concluded a two-day visit
to Lebanon from 23-24 March.
During the visit, Vice Admiral Ahlgren held meetings with
President Joseph Aoun, Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime minister Nawaf
Salam, Defence Minister Michel Manassa, and Commander of the
Lebanese Army General Rodolph Haykal. He was accompanied by
British Ambassador to Lebanon Hamish Cowell and Defence Attaché
Lt. Colonel Charles .
Throughout the visit, Vice Admiral Ahlgren reiterated
the UK's continued diplomatic efforts to prevent a widening
of the conflict in Lebanon, which is already causing
mass displacement and significant civilian
casualties.
He welcomed recent commitments made by the Government
of Lebanon, including for direct negotiations with Israel
and banning of all military activity by
Hizballah.
He underscored the UK's condemnation of Hizballah, for
drawing the people of Lebanon into a conflict they do
not want and that is against their
interests. Vice Admiral Ahlgren also
emphasised the UK's continued support to the Lebanese
Armed Forces as the sole legitimate defender of Lebanon.
At the end of the visit, British Ambassador Hamish Cowell
said:
The situation in Lebanon is very concerning as the
country is once again dragged into conflict and suffering against
the will of the Government and the vast majority
of Lebanese people. The UK stands ready to support all
initiatives which work towards de-escalation.
Vice Admiral Edward Ahlgren said:
The people of Lebanon are once
again being drawn into a conflict they do
not want, and which is not in their interests. We
will continue to support the Lebanese Armed Forces as the sole
legitimate defender of Lebanon and the Lebanese Government to
assume full responsibility for security.
Since 2009, the UK has contributed over £180m to support
Lebanon's security – over £69m to the Internal
Security Forces and over £120m to the Lebanese Armed Forces in
kit, training, and equipment. Lebanon's future
stability and security are crucial to regional stability.
