More Than 10 EU States Ready to Support New Lebanon Security Mission

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said more than 10 member states are willing to contribute personnel and resources to a planned mission supporting Lebanon's armed forces. Speaking after an informal meeting of EU defense ministers in County Wicklow, Ireland, Kallas said the mission would advise and train Lebanese forces and support border, maritime and internal-security capabilities. She said the EU is coordinating with Beirut on its needs and aims for an EU Council launch decision in October. Kallas said the mission would strengthen the Lebanese state's ability to provide security throughout its territory and would not replace UNIFIL.