French Envoys in Beirut over $3 Billion Saudi Military Aid Pledge

An advisor to French President Francois Hollande was in Beirut on Friday for talks with top Lebanese officials on the $3 billion Saudi pledge to buy military equipment for Lebanon from France.

Emmanuel Bonne, who is Hollande's adviser on North Africa and the Middle East, arrived on a several day official visit. He will be joined in the next couple of days by Admiral Edouard Guillaud, the chief of the defense staff.

Bonne met on Friday with Speaker Nabih Berri, Premier-designate Tammam Salam and Phalange party leader Amin Gemayel.

The first item on the agenda of their talks is the announcement of Saudi Arabia last month to provide assistance to Lebanon in the form of $3 billion for the Lebanese army to strengthen its capabilities.

Lebanese Army commander Gen. Jean Qahwaji was in Paris last week for talks with top French military officials on the Saudi assistance.

Caretaker Premier Najib Miqati has also been informed by his Italian counterpart that Rome will host next month a conference to support the Lebanese army.