French president visits Lebanon to support new leadership transition
2 Min Read
The French presidency says Macron’s visit aims to “help” President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam “consolidate Lebanon's sovereignty, ensure its prosperity, and maintain its 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 arrived in Beirut on Friday, where he is set to meet Lebanese leaders and express support as the country emerges from a prolonged political vacuum.
Joseph Aoun was elected president on January 9, and Nawaf Salam was named prime minister-designate. The two leaders face significant challenges, including rebuilding after a destructive Israeli war and addressing a prolonged economic crisis.
Macron is also scheduled to meet with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during his visit, which coincides with the approach of a January 27 deadline for the full implementation of the "Israel"-Lebanon ceasefire agreement.
The French presidency emphasized that Macron’s visit aims to “help” Aoun and Salam “consolidate Lebanon's sovereignty, ensure its prosperity and maintain its unity.”
Driving the news
On Thursday, the French presidency revealed that Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed “their full support” for the formation of a “strong government” in Lebanon during a phone call.
The new government, according to the presidency, must “bring together Lebanon's diverse people, ensure the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon is respected, and carry out the reforms necessary for the prosperity, stability and sovereignty of the country.”
While in Lebanon, Macron is expected to meet Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, UNIFIL chief Aroldo Lazaro, and members of a committee tasked with monitoring ceasefire violations. The committee includes representatives from Lebanon, "Israel", France, the United States, and the United Nations.
It is worth noting that "Israel" continues to violate the ceasefire agreement reached with Lebanon, moving troops and vehicles within Lebanese towns and villages and carrying out several airstrikes.
In October, France hosted an aid conference in Paris and pledged "symbolic gestures" to rally international support for Lebanon.
