France Backs Lebanon’s Sovereignty and Calls for Renewed Stability
French President Emmanuel Macron has reaffirmed France’s unwavering support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, stability, and recovery during recent talks with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. The discussions followed the unanimous renewal of the UNIFIL mandate, a development Macron welcomed as an important sign of international consensus on Lebanon.
Macron praised what he described as the bold steps taken by Lebanon’s leadership to reassert state authority and ensure that the monopoly on legitimate force rests solely with government institutions. He urged the swift adoption of a forthcoming security plan designed to consolidate this authority. To advance this effort, his special envoy, Jean-Yves Le Drian, will soon travel to Beirut to work closely with Lebanese officials on the agreed priorities.
The French leader stressed that the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and an end to all infringements on Lebanese sovereignty are indispensable to achieving lasting stability. He added that France stands ready to facilitate the transfer of areas still under Israeli control if required.
Looking ahead, Macron confirmed plans to convene two major international conferences before the year’s end. The first will focus on strengthening the Lebanese Armed Forces, which he described as the cornerstone of the country’s sovereignty. The second will rally global support for Lebanon’s reconstruction and economic revival, aiming to provide much-needed relief to its struggling population.
“The future we envision for Lebanon is one of restored security, affirmed sovereignty, and renewed prosperity,” Macron said, drawing inspiration from the resilience of the country’s legendary cedars as a symbol of endurance and strength.
