Beirut: National Defense Minister, Major General Michel Menassa, engaged in pivotal discussions on Wednesday at his Yarzeh office with the UK Defence Senior Advisor to the Middle East and North Africa, Vice Admiral Edward Ahlgren. The meeting, also attended by British Ambassador to Lebanon Hamish Cowell and British Defense Attach© Lieutenant Colonel Charles Smith, focused on the regional situation and Lebanon's current challenges.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the discussions included an in-depth review of the mechanism for implementing UN Resolution 1701 by the Lebanese Army, emphasizing its deployment in southern Lebanon amid the ongoing Israeli occupation of strategic locations. The dialogue also covered measures by the Lebanese army to maintain security along the northern and eastern borders with Syria.
In a separate meeting, Major General Menassa met with Swedish Ambassador to Lebanon, Jessica Sv¤rdstr¶m, where they deliberated on regional developments and the critical need to renew UNIFIL's mandate in August. The meeting highlighted the coordination efforts with Syria to ensure border security.
Further discussions in the day included a meeting with MP Yanal Solh, focusing on reinforcing the military institution's support and resilience. Additionally, Menassa met with the Secretary-General of the Orthodox Gathering, former MP Marwan Abu Fadel, to discuss Lebanon's political and social issues, stressing the importance of stability amid ongoing challenges.