BEIRUT, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Monday welcomed the European Union's decision to establish a new support mission in Lebanon to advise and assist the Lebanese army and internal security forces for an initial three-year period, according to a statement by the Lebanese Presidency.
Adopted under the EU's common security and defense policy, the mission aims to strengthen Lebanon's state institutions and promote lasting stability in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1701, Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported.
It will comprise military and civilian components providing advice and training, particularly in border and maritime security, intelligence, combating smuggling and cybercrime, and port security, including at the Port of Beirut, the report said.
Aoun said the mission would help extend state authority in Lebanon and secure its borders, in line with the government's position on placing weapons under the control of state forces. ■
