Emmanuel Macron assured Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, received in Paris, on Friday of “France’s commitment to doing everything in its power to prevent the increase in violence between Lebanon and Israel”, reported the Elysium. The French president, who also met the head of the Lebanese army Joseph Aoun, notably “expressed his determination to continue to provide the Lebanese Armed Forces with the support they need”, added his services in a press release.
Emmanuel Macron “continues to act for the stability of Lebanon” and protects it from the risks of an escalation in the Middle East
According to the presidency, Emmanuel Macron “continues to act for the stability of Lebanon in such a way that it is protected from the risks linked to the escalation of tensions in the Middle East.” “In this context, he recalled the French commitment within the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and underlined the responsibility of everyone towards it, so that it can fully exercise its responsibilities.” “France will act in this sense with all those who are ready to become more involved, in particular its European partners, following the conclusions of the extraordinary European Council” which was held on Wednesday and Thursday in Brussels, according to this press release.
The Head of State, who also spoke by telephone with the President of the Chamber of Deputies Nabih Berri, once again called on “political leaders to finally find a way out of the institutional crisis which is weakening Lebanon.” . Since the end of the mandate of President Michel Aoun (no family connection with Joseph Aoun) on October 31, 2022, Lebanese deputies have been unable to agree on appointing a successor, with Parliament being divided between the camp of the pro-Islamist movement. Iranian Hezbollah and its adversaries.
Najib Mikati, at the head of a resigned government with reduced powers, de facto leads Lebanon which fears being drawn into a large-scale conflict with Israel Emmanuel Macron should meet soon with other Lebanese political actors, a sign according to Paris that he has decided to get personally involved again in the crisis in Lebanon. He asked his personal envoy, former Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, “to continue his efforts”.