BEIRUT, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese President Michel Suleiman confirmed Tuesday the country's commitment to gearing up its army, the state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported.

    "Lebanon is keen to provide the Lebanese army with modern weapons to enable it to protect its southern borders and fight the threat of terrorism," said Suleiman while meeting foreign and Arab diplomatic officials in the presidential palace near Beirut.

    The report, however, did not specify what kinds of modern weapons or how many the army is to be provided with.

    Suleiman stressed that the year 2009 was better than the previous years, as it paved the way "for more stability and development due to the positive achievements at all levels."

    He added that security systems "succeeded to uncover the Israeli espionage cells, and showed efficiency in arresting terrorist networks that targeted Lebanon's security and the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) troops."

    Suleiman also responded to the U.S. government's new rules to tighten security for those carrying passports from 14 listed countries including Lebanon. He said any discriminatory measure against Lebanese people, especially travelers, cannot be adopted.