(DUBAI, UAE) — Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam said he would ask the United Arab Emirates for military aid to Lebanon on Monday, after arriving in Dubai for a two-day diplomatic visit.
Salam praised UAE’s “old and continuous” support for Lebanon, telling journalists he “will ask the Emirates to provide helicopter gunships similar to the Gazelle choppers that it offered Lebanon in the past.”
During a reception hosted by the Lebanese community in Dubai, Salam called the situation in Lebanon “difficult,” and explained that the government’s concern was electing a new president.
“The security situation is difficult in the region and its environs,” he said. “Lebanon, with all its sects and provinces, is not a safe haven for terrorism or the like. All the Lebanese are united with the Army and security forces to shield and protect the internal situation.”
Salam also spoke about the Lebanese soldiers and policemen held hostage for more than three months by ISIS and Nusra Front militants, assuring families the government will not rest until the hostages are released. He also said he would not give in to militant conditions.
“We are living every moment with those kidnapped soldiers. Terrorism is imposing conditions on us,” Salam said. “We will not succumb to blackmail and we will not weaken in the face of threats. This requires solidarity from the Lebanese.”
Salam is expected to meet Crown Prince Hamdan bin Mohammaed al-Maktoum and other senior Foreign Ministry officials on Tuesday.
He will also visit the American University of Dubai and Al-Arabiya satellite television channel and meet Lebanese communities in Dubai, before holding a press conference in the evening.
Salam is accompanied by Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil, Justice Minister Ashraf Rifi, Education Minister Elias Bou Saab and Youth and Sports Minister Abdul-Muttaleb al-Hinawi.