BEIRUT, Lebanon - Lebanese authorities have praised Germany's help with securing borders and enhancing its sovereignty by providing equipment and training to immigration officials. Germany recently handed over eight devices to help Lebanese authorities identify fake passports, currency and other documents, which German Ambassador Marius Haas described as the most modern "fake-document detection devices existing."

The devices were handed to the head of general security at Rafik Hariri International Airport as part of Germany's assistance to Lebanon following Israel's war with Hezbollah last summer.

"The Lebanese authorities are benefiting from the German efforts and initiative to help the Lebanese government and its institutions to develop their performances," General Wafik Jezzini, the head of the general security in Lebanon said.

The new devices will eventually be implemented at all borders across Lebanon, according to an airport security official.

"This equipment will help modernize our systems and secure our borders better," he said. "The German officers are also providing us with training courses to be able to use the machines."

German officers have been helping Lebanese custom officials since August 2006, first assessing needs for the entire border between Lebanon and Syria, the airport and sea ports.

Lebanon's borders, air and sea ports have received few security upgrades since the country's 1975-1990 civil war ended.

In addition to the technical help the German government is giving Lebanon, it is currently heading the maritime component of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 33-day Israeli war with Lebanon.

The resolution calls for a UN maritime force to monitor the coast of Lebanon to prevent any arms shipments to the Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah.

According to the airport security official, Germany last year donated seven scanners, also to be used at borders and the airport.

"This will help Lebanon control the illegal immigration and border crossing which is a major problem across the world," he said.

Lebanon will also be better able to monitor security at its borders, especially with Syria, and the smuggling of weapons.

Ambassador Haas said Germany will be sending an additional two patrol boats "to enhance the Lebanese navy and new coastal radar system which will arrive in the coming months." -DPA