Latest news with #DSAME
MTV Lebanon
14 hours ago
- Politics
- MTV Lebanon
President Aoun and UK defence advisor discuss UNIFIL renewal
President of the Republic Joseph Aoun told the UK Defence Senior Advisor to the Middle East and North Africa (DSAME) Vice Admiral Edward Ahlgren, that "Lebanon considers the extension of the mandate of UNIFIL force operating in south Lebanon, a key factor in maintaining stability and security on the southern Lebanese border. Therefore, Lebanon places great hopes on the support of UN Security Council member states, including Britain, to ensure that the extension is passed on time without any obstacles.' President Aoun on Wednesday met at Baabda Palace, with the UK Defence Senior Advisor to the Middle East and North Africa (DSAME) Vice Admiral Edward Ahlgren, in the presence of British Ambassador to Lebanon, Hamish Cowell. President Aoun stressed that "UNIFIL's presence in the south of the Litani River greatly assists in implementing UN Resolution 1701, especially since cooperation between the Lebanese Army and the international force is based on continuous coordination in accordance with the provisions of relevant international resolutions." Aoun pointed out that "Israel's continued occupation of the five hills and their surroundings continues to hinder the Lebanese army's full deployment to the southern border,' noting 'wherever the Lebanese army has deployed south of the Litani River, the Lebanese state's decision on the eclusivity of arms, has been implemented, and all armed manifestations have been removed." President Aoun and the UK official held a tour d'horizon on current regional developments and the post-ceasefire period between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Israel, as well as the situation in southern Lebanon and on the Lebanese-Syrian border.
MTV Lebanon
14 hours ago
- Politics
- MTV Lebanon
Berri broaches developments with UK Defence Senior Advisor to the Middle East
Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri received at the second presidency headquarters in Ain El Tineh, the UK Defence Senior Advisor to the Middle East and North Africa (DSAME) Vice Admiral Edward Ahlgren, and the accompanying military delegation, in the presence of British Ambassador to Lebanon, Hamish Cowell. The discussion reportedly touched on the latest developments in Lebanon and the broad region, as well as political and field updates. On the other hand, marking the new Hijri year and the Ashura commemoration, Speaker Berri extended his congratulations to the Lebanese, in general, and the Muslims and the peoples of the Arab and Islamic nations, in particular, hoping that 'these two occasions, with their values of sacrifice, patience, faith, reform, integrity and unity, will constitute an occasion for strengthening these concepts in people's souls, performance, and behavior, for the sake of human prosperity and the immunity of nations.' Berri also called for "reviving their related ceremonies in a way that enhances the climate of unity and preserves and protects their messages, their immortality, and their spiritual, human, and moral sublimity."
Nahar Net
13-03-2025
- Politics
- Nahar Net
UK Vice Admiral reiterates support to Lebanon's long-term stability and security
by Naharnet Newsdesk 13 March 2025, 11:19 The UK Defense Senior Advisor to the Middle East and North Africa (DSAME) Vice Admiral Edward Ahlgren ended Thursday a two-day visit to Lebanon where he met with senior Lebanese and U.N. officials. Ahlgren congratulated President Joseph Aoun on his election as President and the formation of a new government, which shows hope and change for the future, as he reiterated the UK's support for Lebanon's long-term stability and security. Ahlgren held meetings with Aoun, Speaker Nabih Berri, Defense Minister Michel Menassa, acting Army Commander Major General Hassan Audeh, Head of LAF Operations, General Rudolph Heykel, and UNIFIL Chief of Staff in Naqoura, Major General Jean-Jacques Fatinet. He was accompanied by the UK Chargé D'Affaires Victoria Dunne and Defense Attaché Lieutenant Colonel Charles Smith. At the end of the visit Dunne said that "the election of a President and the formation of a new government signals a new chapter for Lebanon's security, stability, and prosperity." "As close partners of Lebanon, we discussed the government's proposed road map for the country's recovery and future prosperity. This includes the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement agreed in November 2024," she added. Vice Admiral Ahlgren said "It was a pleasure to meet President Joseph Aoun again following his election in January." He added that the UK will continue to work closely with the Lebanese state and support the Lebanese Armed Forces, "as the sole legitimate military force." "During our visit to Naqoura, we reiterated the UK's support to UNIFIL peacekeepers' work as a vital tool for Lebanon's security," Ahlgren went on to say. "Lebanon's future stability is also crucial to regional stability. The UK remains a long-standing friend of Lebanon and the LAF," he said.
