BEIRUT, Jan 11 (NNN-NNA) – German Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, vowed yesterday, to offer 15 million euros (16.45 million U.S. dollars), to support the Lebanese army, amid growing fears of escalating tensions with Israel, on Lebanon’s southern border.
During her visit to the Beirut port, Baerbock said, the money would be used to buy fuel and train soldiers to monitor the border, according to Lebanon’s Elnashra news website.
“The army must be able to exercise effective control in the region, to contain armed groups,” she said, without specifying.
Arriving in Beirut on Tuesday, Baerbock held meetings yesterday with Lebanese Prime Minister, Najib Mikati and Lebanese Army Commander, Joseph Aoun, to discuss the latest developments in Lebanon and the region.
The Lebanon-Israel border witnessed increased tension since Oct 8, after Hezbollah fired dozens of rockets towards Israel, in support of the Hamas, prompting Israel to respond by firing heavy artillery towards south-eastern Lebanon.
The confrontations between Hezbollah and Israel have killed 215 on the Lebanese side, including 158 Hezbollah members and 37 civilians, according to Lebanese security sources.– NNN-NNA
