Macron and Salam Discuss Lebanon's Support, Reforms Amid Regional Tensions at Élysée

Paris - Ekhbary News Agency

French President Emmanuel Macron and Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam are holding a joint press conference at the Élysée Palace in Paris today, Tuesday, concluding discussions focused on French support for Lebanon amidst complex regional and internal challenges. This summit comes at a critical juncture as Lebanon strives to consolidate its sovereignty and restore economic and security stability.

An Élysée statement clarified that the officials discussed "humanitarian support for displaced persons and the continuation of economic and financial reforms necessary to consolidate Lebanon's sovereignty, reconstruction, and restoration of prosperity." The talks also emphasized "France's support for the country's territorial integrity," reaffirming Paris's steadfast commitment to Lebanon's stability.

The visit holds particular significance given the fragile ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel and Beirut's preparations to enter peace negotiations with the Israeli state. These developments place Lebanon at the heart of a changing regional dynamic, increasing the need for strong international support.

The visit also follows the killing of a French UN peacekeeping force (UNIFIL) soldier in an ambush attributed to Hezbollah, which denied responsibility. President Macron described the attack as "unacceptable" and called on Lebanese authorities to uncover the circumstances of the incident and apprehend the perpetrators. The Élysée Palace affirmed that "UNIFIL soldiers, who carry out their duties in difficult conditions and support the delivery of humanitarian aid to southern Lebanon, must not be targeted under any circumstances."

In a related development, the French Foreign Minister stated on Sunday that Paris had received "assurances" from the Lebanese government that it would do everything in its power to apprehend those responsible for the ambush. The minister also criticized Israeli military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, which resulted in destruction and displacement, asserting that "destroying Lebanon or the Lebanese state will not eliminate Hezbollah; on the contrary, it will strengthen it."

Regarding the plan developed by the Lebanese government, under international pressure, to disarm Hezbollah, which began implementation before the recent war, the French Foreign Minister said it "must be resumed because the only political solution to ensure peace and stability in Lebanon is the disarmament of Hezbollah... and then, of course, Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon." This position reflects a comprehensive French vision for a solution in Lebanon, linking internal security with regional stability.

The Élysée Palace reiterated that the visit would be an opportunity for President Macron to reaffirm his commitment to the full and comprehensive respect of the ceasefire in Lebanon, France's support for the country's territorial integrity, and the Lebanese state's measures to ensure the country's full and comprehensive sovereignty and the exclusivity of arms. These points are crucial in any dialogue aimed at enhancing Lebanon's long-term stability.

Amidst these complex challenges, international support for Lebanon, particularly France's historical role, stands out. The discussions in Paris underscore the continuation of this support, emphasizing the necessity of moving forward with fundamental reforms that enable Lebanon to overcome its current crises and build a stable and prosperous future.