Written question asked by Lord Hague of Richmond (Conservative) on Monday, 30 June 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 2 July 2008. It was answered by David Miliband (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 July 2008 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Lebanon: Security

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what support the UK is providing to security sector reform in Lebanon; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: The UK continues to support President Suleiman and the Government of Lebanon in their efforts to maintain peace and security in Lebanon. During my visit to Lebanon in June 2008, I announced that the UK will provide, from this financial year, a £2 million programme of support to the Lebanese security sector.This assistance includes the provision of £1 million of technical and training support to the army, police, customs and immigration services to improve Lebanon's border management. Last financial year, we provided some £500,000 of training and equipment to increase the ability of the Lebanese armed forces to maintain public order and made a contribution to an EU programme to improve the investigative capability of the Internal Security Forces. We are also providing a number of places on security courses in the UK to the Lebanese armed forces, including places at Sandhurst, Dartmouth, and the Royal College of Defence Studies.

Secondary information