By Wassim Seifeddine

Lebanese
President Michel Aoun expressed hope Tuesday that U.S. support for the
Lebanese army would continue “to allow Lebanon to defend itself”. While
receiving U.S. Senator Bob Corker, chairman of the U.S. Senate’s
foreign relations committee, Aoun stressed his keenness to maintain
“strong Lebanese-American relations and cooperation” with a view to
preserving the stability of Lebanon, according to a statement released
by the Lebanese presidency. “I hope
that U.S. support for the Lebanese army — in terms of both weapons and
equipment — will continue, especially in light of the balance of power
between the Lebanese army and its counterparts in surrounding states,”
the statement added. At a meeting
between Aoun and Corker, the two men discussed the current situation in
Lebanon and in neighboring Syria, according to the statement. Corker, for his part, reiterated Washington’s commitment to helping Lebanon in various fields of endeavor. Corker
also met with Suleiman Frangieh, leader of Lebanon’s Marada Movement,
which is known for its close ties with the Syrian regime, at the
latter’s residence in northern Lebanon. Corker
arrived in Beirut on Monday for a three-day visit, during which he is
expected to discuss issues related to U.S. military assistance with
Lebanese officials.