Qahwaji in Paris after $3 Billion Saudi Military Aid Pledge
Army chief Gen. Jean Qahwaji was in Paris on Monday for talks with top French military officials two weeks after President Michel Suleiman announced a Saudi pledge of $3 billion to buy military equipment from France.
Al-Joumhouria daily quoted military sources as saying that Qahwaji has taken with him to Paris a list of the army's needs.
He will release a statement after his return from Paris to clarify the reasons for his visit and the topic of discussions with the French officials, the sources said.
Suleiman said late last month that Saudi Arabia "decided to provide generous assistance to Lebanon in the form of $3 billion for the Lebanese army to strengthen its capabilities."
He said it was the largest assistance provided in Lebanon's history.
French President Francois Hollande, who was on a visit to Saudi Arabia during Suleiman's announcement, said his country would "meet" any requests from Lebanon.
Lebanon's armed forces are under-equipped and face multiplying security challenges.
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