BEIRUT: Finance Minister Mohammad Safadi told the U.S. Congress that Hezbollah’s role as an armed resistance in defending Lebanon would become moot if the country’s army was fully equipped and capable.

“The decline in the military role of Hezbollah is correlated with the ability of the Lebanese Army to defend Lebanon’s territory,” Safadi told members of Congress during an official visit to Washington Wednesday, according to his press office Thursday.

“And this requires equipping the army with appropriate weapons so it can be the only guarantee for security in the country,” he added.Safadi’s remarks came during a meeting with members of the House of Representatives committee responsible for allocating aid to foreign countries.

In a meeting with U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Elizabeth Dibble, the minster urged the U.S. to support Lebanon politically, reiterating Lebanon’s request for the U.S. to equip the Lebanese Army with “arms needed to preserve stability and reinforce the state’s authority through its legitimate powers.”

“Our government does not fall under orders of any country and … is not a Hezbollah captive,” Safadi told the congressional committee, adding that Hezbollah, which the U.S. designates as a terrorist organization, represented Lebanese in Parliament and Cabinet.

The U.S. has provided around $100 million annually in military aid to Lebanon since 2005, although the funds were put on hold last August.

U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton had promised Prime Minister Najib Mikati that the U.S. will continue its assistance to the Lebanese Army.

Lebanese Army Commander Gen. Jean Kahwagi visited the U.S. in October to request the continuation of military aid to Lebanon.

“I realize that some recommendations have suggested lowering U.S. aid to security and educational institutions but I am confident that representatives of the American people in Congress will not do anything that would hurt the interests of the Lebanese people without a reasonable right,” Safadi said.

There was fear that the U.S. would cut aid to Lebanon after Hezbollah and its allies gained a majority in the government earlier this year. However, Beirut has been urging the U.S. to continue the aid and assuring it that Hezbollah does not control the government.

“The Lebanese government is a coalition government which enjoys representation in Parliament and has a reform and development program and has proven its ability to commit to Lebanon’s international obligations,” said Safadi.