The Commander of the Lebanese Army, General Rudolph Hikel, departed for the United States yesterday, Saturday, carrying with him a comprehensive file on the arms limitation plan. According to military sources, General Hikel's trip is official in nature. He will hold a series of meetings with US leadership representatives in Washington. The centerpiece of the negotiations will be the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. This resolution was adopted in 2006 to end the Israeli-Lebanese conflict. A key point of the document is the demand for the disarmament of the Shia group Hezbollah. The Lebanese government and the army face significant difficulties in meeting this condition. Meanwhile, the US and its allies are pressuring Beirut to take more decisive action. General Hikel is expected to brief the US side on the current situation and the plans of the Lebanese army. He will also discuss possible military and financial assistance from the US. This assistance could play a decisive role in strengthening the Lebanese army and enhancing its ability to control the southern part of the country.
