Report: Iraq to cover Lebanese army’s fuel expenses

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – A Lebanese newspaper on Saturday revealed that the Prime Minister of Iraq is expected to visit Lebanon and has promised to assist the country’s armed forces.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi is expected to visit Lebanon soon and “provide logistical assistance to the Lebanese army as part of Iraq’s support for Lebanon,” the Lebanese al-Diyar newspaper reported.

“Iraq will provide Lebanon the expenses for gasoline, fuel, and all other sources of power for all military vehicles and tanks,” the newspaper said.

The Lebanese newspaper added that an Iraqi oil tanker loaded with oil products would be sent to the Tripoli refinery every two months which would be used by the Lebanese army to support the Ministry of Defense’s budget.

The report stated that the Lebanese army does not have any financial support despite its large operations across the country where it works to protect the sovereignty, security, and military stability of Lebanon.

The Iraqi government has not issued an official statement denying or confirming the report.

However, Baghdad-based al-Sumeriya news reported that “an anonymous government source” denied that Iraq would cover the Lebanese army’s fuel expenses.

“Iraq does its best to strengthen bilateral ties with Lebanon, but such a matter has not been discussed with the Lebanese officials,” the government source told Sumeriya.

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany