Israel Matzav

Lebanon tries to close the barn door after the cow escaped

Lebanon has reached an arrangement with Germany pursuant to which the Germans will supply it with equipment to help detect weapons being smuggled across its borders from Syria. With German support, the Lebanese army will create a mobile force to help combat weapons smuggling. Too bad they didn't do that a year ago.

The Lebanese government decided on Saturday to create a mobile force backed by German experts to combat the influx of weapons trafficked into the country from Syria.

"The government approved the formation of a force composed of soldiers, security agents and customs officers ... charged with controlling the northern border with Syria," said Information Minister Ghazi Aridi.

"The force will be assisted by German experts," Aridi told reporters at the end of a government meeting.

Germany will supply Lebanon's customs authorities with equipment that will help it detect weapons under an agreement reached this week.

The assistance falls within the scope of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 1:58 AM