(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) KUWAIT, Aug 27 (KUNA) -- Lebanese Defense Minister Michel Menassah said on Wednesday that supporting the Lebanese Army was the focal topic of his discussions with the Kuwaiti leaders over the past days.
In an interview with KUNA upon conclusion of his visit to Kuwait, Menassah affirmed that the Lebanese Army needs substantial support to implement UN Resolution 1701 that stipulates restricting arms possession in the state hands.
Asked whether the Lebanese State is able to implement the UN resolution, the minister affirmed that the army would carry out the mission, indicating that cabinet had tasked the military to chart out an executive plan for collecting weapons in the south and other regions.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who had recently visited Kuwait, would visit more Arab, Gulf and European states to rally sufficient support for executing the plan and support the army, minister Menassah told KUNA.
On the relations with Kuwait, he recalled the Gulf country's backing for Lebanon during crises and wars, affirming that it had come forward first to help Lebanon amid difficulties.
"This good relationship will always remain a matter of attention for leaders of both countries and that it is what we have sensed during the visit," he added.
In reciprocation, Lebanon had backed Kuwait in the face of the flagrant Iraqi aggression in 1990. "The Kuwaiti brothers have not forgotten this stand," he affirmed.
On his discussions with the Kuwaiti officials, minister Menassah said the talks were positive and constructive and the Kuwaiti leadership expressed readiness to support Lebanon, its government and army.
He indicated efforts to tighten internal security in Lebanon and lure more tourists, adding that the reconstruction file was not discussed during his presence in Kuwait. "Currently we are seeking to enforce security and stability" in Lebanon, he continued.
Menassah expressed deep gratitude to Their Highnesses the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah for their warm hospitality. (end)
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