US forces' top commander in Mideast meets Lebanese officials

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
The top commander of US forces in the Middle East met with Lebanese officials Wednesday as the US government reassured Beirut of support for the Lebanese army's fight with al-Qaida-inspired Islamic fighters in northern Lebanon. Adm. William Fallon, head of the US Central Command, met separately with Prime Minister Fuad Saniora and Defense Minister Elias Murr during an hours-long visit to Lebanon. In a statement after the meetings, US Ambassador to Beirut Jeffrey Feltman praised Lebanon's efforts and reiterated "the strength of the strategic partnership between the United States and Lebanon." Fallon made no comments after his meetings. The statement said the US remains committed to providing the Lebanese army with the "supplies they need to battle - and conquer - the armed extremists in the North. And the United States is delivering on our promise."