Emmanuel Macron to visit Lebanon this week
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Macron's office stated that the French president intended to underline "France's unwavering commitment to Lebanon, its sovereignty, and unity."
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French President Emmanuel Macron delivers his speech to French ambassadors posted around the world on January 6, 2025, at the Elysee Palace in Paris. (AP)
French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to visit Lebanon on Friday, according to both nations, marking the second such travel by a head of state since Lebanon elected a president last week.
The office of new Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said he met with the French ambassador in Beirut on Tuesday to discuss plans for Macron's visit and Macron's administration has confirmed the date.
The trip comes after more than two years of presidential impasse following the end of former President Michel Aoun's term, the Lebanese Parliament elected Army Commander Joseph Aoun as the 14th President of the Lebanese Republic.
Joseph Aoun summoned Judge Nawaf Salam, the head of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), to appoint him as prime minister following his nomination by a majority of lawmakers on Monday.
According to the Lebanese presidency, Salam received the support of 84 out of 128 members of parliament.
Macron's office stated that the French president intended to underline "France's unwavering commitment to Lebanon, its sovereignty, and unity," and according to a spokesperson, the trip is also an occasion to "work on the implementation of the ceasefire... and to reiterate France's commitment towards this within UNIFIL."
Lebanon and "Israel" implemented a ceasefire on November 27, which has been violated by "Israel" hundreds of times.
Macron stated on Monday that Salam's nomination represents "hope for change" in Lebanon.
Lebanese PM-designate urges Res. 1701 implementation, IOF withdrawal
Following his meeting on Tuesday with President Joseph Aoun and House Speaker Nabih Berri at Baabda Presidential Palace, Prime Minister-Designate Judge Nawaf Salam expressed gratitude to the Lebanese people for their trust, vowing to take on the challenging task of serving the nation.
"It is time to embark on a new chapter rooted in justice, security, progress, and equal opportunities, making Lebanon a nation of free individuals with equal rights and responsibilities," Salam declared.
The Prime Minister-Designate underscored the urgent need for reconstruction, particularly for residents in Bekaa, the South, and Beirut, whose homes and institutions remain in ruins.
"Rebuilding is not just a promise but a commitment," he affirmed.
Salam called for extending the authority of the Lebanese state across all its territories and urged the government to implement a comprehensive plan to develop a productive economy and create job opportunities for future generations.
Advocating for expanded administrative decentralization, he emphasized the necessity of reforming Lebanon’s patronage-driven administration. He also reiterated the importance of achieving justice for the victims of the Beirut Port explosion and fairness for depositors who lost their life savings.
"I am not for exclusion but for unity, not for marginalization but for national partnership," Salam stated, extending an invitation to all political parties to join in implementing reforms and ensuring that no citizen feels neglected.
