The first visit to Lebanon by the new French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, was an opportunity to reiterate France’s unwavering support for Lebanon, particularly for the Lebanese people during these times of war, and to offer assistance, notably to the Lebanese army.
In meetings with all Lebanese officials on Monday, Barrot emphasized two key messages, “the urgency of electing a President of the Republic, and the necessity of ending the war between Israel and Lebanon.”
For France, “diplomatic solutions exist: a ceasefire, respect for international and humanitarian law, and the implementation of Resolution 1701,” as he stated on his X account and that of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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“We support Lebanon and are committed to protecting its civilians,” he also declared.
Barrot further announced that France has allocated “10 million euros to support humanitarian organizations working on the ground, particularly the Red Cross.”
Following his successive meetings with Lebanese officials, Barrot made no public statements. He will hold a press conference at 5 PM at the Résidence des Pins to review his visit to Lebanon, primarily aimed at defusing the ongoing conflict.
At Bkerke With the Maronite Patriarch
He began his visit with a 45-minute stop at Bkerke, where he met with Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai, with the presence of the French Ambassador to Lebanon, Hervé Magro.
According to the Patriarchate’s press attaché, lawyer Walid Ghayad, the French minister’s visit also aimed to “show solidarity, assess the situation, and advance key issues.”
Meetings With Mikati, Berri and the Commander-in-Chief of the Lebanese Army
The French Foreign Minister then went to the Grand Serail, where he met with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, in the presence of his diplomatic advisor, Ambassador Boutros Assaker.
During this meeting, Barrot reiterated France’s commitment “to supporting Lebanon and its people in all areas, stressing the importance of aiding the Lebanese army during these critical times.”
For his part, Mikati reaffirmed that “the key to the solution lies in stopping Israeli aggression against Lebanon” and in “returning to the ceasefire call issued by the United States and France, supported by the European Union and several Arab and foreign countries.” He also highlighted “the priority of implementing UN Resolution 1701.”
Barrot was then received later in the morning at Ain el-Tineh by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. He also met with the Commander-in-Chief of the Lebanese Army, General Joseph Aoun.
The discussion with Gen. Aoun addressed the general situation in the country in light of the ongoing Israeli aggression against Lebanon. Barrot praised the performance of the army and reaffirmed his country’s continued support for the military institution.
https://x.com/LebarmyOfficial/status/1840716675236143265
Barrot’s agenda also includes meetings with the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
