Lebanon gets first installment of $3bn worth of French weapons April 20, 2015 - 12:59 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Lebanon has received the first installment of $3 billion worth of French weapons paid for by Saudi Arabia, the Associated Press reports. The handover ceremony held Monday, April 20, at Beirut's international airport was attended by Lebanese and French defense ministers and top army officers. The deal, first announced in 2013, aims to boost Lebanon's military as it struggles to contain a rising tide of violence linked to the civil war in neighboring Syria. French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian says the deal will include dozens of armored vehicles, six transport helicopters and other types of weapons. The deal also includes training programs for Lebanese troops run by the French military. Lebanese Defense Minister Samir Moqbel said "Lebanon's victory against terrorism is a victory to all nations threatened by terrorism."  Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Latest news Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia  Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28.Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia.Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports.Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. |
