According to An-Nahar daily newspaper, Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblatt has urged the US government to continue supporting the Lebanese army so it becomes the sole protector of the country.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and her assistant for Near Eastern Affairs David Welch met with Jumblat and MP Marwan Hamadeh whom urged U.S. officials to increase their training and supply of weapons to the Lebanese army.

Jumblat and Hamadeh have held talks with several US officials and are expected to meet with Vice President Dick Cheney and National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley on Wednesday.