Beirut, Lebanon
Wednesday, 15 May 2013
United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon Derek Plumbly today attended a meeting to launch a five-year assistance plan for the Lebanese Armed Forces organized by the Lebanese Army Command (LAF).

The plan, authorized by the Lebanese Government in September last year, identifies $1.6 billion in assistance required for improving LAF capabilities in terms of arms, equipment and operations.

Speaking at the opening of the event, Mr. Plumbly praised the role of the LAF as “a central pillar of stability, a truly national institution which today faces unique challenges.” He noted its role as the key partner of the United Nations in implementing Security Council resolution 1701. Mr. Plumbly congratulated the army on the enormous effort which had gone into the preparation of the “inclusive, transparent and professional” five-year plan. It had “clear objectives based on clear and realistic expectations, with the aim of building and strengthening the army’s capabilities on a sound, contemporary basis,” the Special Coordinator added.

He welcomed the Lebanese authorities’ support for the plan and encouraged increased international support for the army on the basis of the plan as it was taken forward. Recalling the support expressed by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for the plan in his latest report on resolution 1701, Mr. Plumbly said the United Nations stood ready to do all it could to assist the army in this regard and that UNSCOL and UNIFIL would offer every possible support.

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