UK’s Defense Senior Advisor to the Middle East ends visit to Lebanon

The UK Defense Senior Advisor to the Middle East and North Africa (DSAME) Vice Admiral Edward Ahlgren, met Wednesday with senior Lebanese and U.N. officials and reiterated the UK’s call for an immediate ceasefire, and a political solution in line with UNSC Resolution 1701. Ahlgren expressed condolences on the deaths of Lebanese Army soldiers and officers, and Lebanese civilians.

Ahlgren met with Nabih Berri, Speaker of Parliament, General Joseph Aoun, Chief of Defense for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon and held a virtual meeting with Force Commander Major General Aroldo Lázaro, UNIFIL Head of Mission. He was accompanied during his visits by British Ambassador to Lebanon Hamish Cowell and Defense Attaché Lt. Colonel Charles Smith.

Vice Admiral Ahlgren said: "In my meetings I reaffirmed the UK’s ongoing support to the Lebanese Armed Forces, as the sole legitimate defender of Lebanon, to help build the future foundations for stability and security.

"Last month the UK delivered vital food and medical supplies to the LAF. The UK has also provided so far £15m in humanitarian aid to displaced families across Lebanon, providing food, medicine, and clean water.

"Our support to Lebanon continues."

British Ambassador to Lebanon, Hamish Cowell, said: "The situation in Lebanon is worsening daily, and civilian casualties are mounting. We cannot let Lebanon become another Gaza. That is why today the UK repeats our call for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, respect for international humanitarian law and the importance of providing humanitarian support to Lebanon and the region.

"Vice Admiral Edward Ahlgren’s visit to Lebanon yesterday, demonstrates the strength of our military bilateral relations. The UK remains a key contributor to Lebanon’s stability and security with the LAF as the sole legitimate military force of the Lebanese state."