Germany Grants Lebanese Authorities $500,000 Worth Of Equipment To Increase Border Security

Germany gave Lebanese authorities $500,000 worth of equipment to help increase security along the country's borders, a German Embassy press release and airport officials said. Germany's Ambassador to Lebanon Marius Haas handed over the equipment, which included document scanners to identify fabricated and false documents and related equipment at a ceremony held at Beirut airport. The German Embassy statement said the donation is part of joint efforts to improve management and security along Lebanon's borders.Under a U.N. resolution that ended this summer's 34-day war between Israel and Hezbollah guerrillas, Germany helps in monitoring at Lebanon's airport and seaports to prevent weapons shipments to Hezbollah. It has sent customs and police officers to advise Lebanese airport authorities on how to tighten checks on traffic, as well as X-ray equipment to reinforce control. Germany is also in charge of the multinational naval force patrolling Lebanon's coastline to prevent arms shipments from reaching Hezbollah guerrillas.