General Larimer, Senior Advisor to the Middle East and North Africa, met with members of the Lebanese government to discuss the current situation in Lebanon and urge stability and peacekeeping. He ended a one day visit to Lebanon on Tuesday 18 February.
General Lorimer held high-level meetings with Lebanese officials, accompanied by British Ambassador Chris Rampling and Defence Attaché, Lieutenant Colonel Alex Hilton. His meetings included discussions with President Michel Aoun, Parliamentary Speaker Nabih Berri, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Zeina Akar, and Lebanese Army Commander General Joseph Aoun.
General Lorimer said: “This is a crucial time for Lebanon and its new government as it tackles huge economic challenges. Urgent action is needed”
“I held constructive meetings with Lebanese officials and reaffirmed UK’s support to the Lebanese Armed Forces who are key to Lebanon’s security, stability and sovereignty. Our partnership and friendship between our armed forces continues.”
General Lorimer discussed the current situation in Lebanon, and the role of the Lebanese Army and Security Forces in maintaining security and stability as the sole legitimate defender of Lebanon. He was joined by Ambassador Chris Rampling, who urged the government to act quickly on providing judgement for Lebanon’s current situation and said the government must provide their promised economic plan for the country, along with decisions and implementations, without delay.
The new government was formed in late January and faced high debt and a payment of $1.2billion in Eurobonds. Since forming, they have approved a new budget and promised to contain protest with relaxed laws on taxes and loan repayments.
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Economy Government Lebanon Middle East North Africa partnership peace keeping