Special Envoy of French President Emmanuel Macron to Lebanon Jean-Yves Le Drian has expressed support for extending the mandate of Army Commander-in-Chief General Joseph Aoun, who reaches retirement age on January 10.
“I support the extension of the army commander’s term in office because the Lebanese need security, and since the army commander cannot be replaced in the absence of a president, it is necessary at this stage to extend his mandate,” Le Drian declared in comments made to LBCI TV channel Friday.
Outlining the main points he raised with Lebanese officials and politicians he met with during his visit to Lebanon, the fourth this year, Le Drian said, “The current crisis requires that the issue of the presidential election be addressed urgently, because at some point there will be negotiations, and it is preferable for Lebanon to have an authority to engage in dialogue on behalf of all parties. Otherwise, Lebanon will no longer be responsible for its fate, but rather will be subject to it.”
The French envoy also cautioned that “nothing prevents the possibility of a dramatic escalation” of the security situation in Lebanon in view of the confrontations in South Lebanon between Hezbollah and Israel since October 8, a day after Hamas attacked Israel, triggering the war in Gaza.
“We urge Lebanon and Israel to exercise restraint, because any escalation will have tragic consequences for everyone, and France is not biased towards Israel,” he stressed.
The former foreign minister underlined that his country is seeking to help the Lebanese agree on a “consensus” presidential candidate instead of suggesting names.
“Lebanese officials must bear their responsibilities and agree on a candidate. After speaking with the parties, it became clear that none of the potential candidates from before June 14 could collect enough votes,” he said in reference to Marada leader Sleiman Frangieh, who is backed by Amal and Hezbollah, and Jihad Azour, the candidate of the opposing camp.
The option of a third candidate is also supported by Saudi Arabia, “which is active again to get Lebanon out of the impasse,” Le Drian added.
[readmore url="https://thisisbeirut.com.lb/lebanon/203894"]
“I support the extension of the army commander’s term in office because the Lebanese need security, and since the army commander cannot be replaced in the absence of a president, it is necessary at this stage to extend his mandate,” Le Drian declared in comments made to LBCI TV channel Friday.
Outlining the main points he raised with Lebanese officials and politicians he met with during his visit to Lebanon, the fourth this year, Le Drian said, “The current crisis requires that the issue of the presidential election be addressed urgently, because at some point there will be negotiations, and it is preferable for Lebanon to have an authority to engage in dialogue on behalf of all parties. Otherwise, Lebanon will no longer be responsible for its fate, but rather will be subject to it.”
The French envoy also cautioned that “nothing prevents the possibility of a dramatic escalation” of the security situation in Lebanon in view of the confrontations in South Lebanon between Hezbollah and Israel since October 8, a day after Hamas attacked Israel, triggering the war in Gaza.
“We urge Lebanon and Israel to exercise restraint, because any escalation will have tragic consequences for everyone, and France is not biased towards Israel,” he stressed.
The former foreign minister underlined that his country is seeking to help the Lebanese agree on a “consensus” presidential candidate instead of suggesting names.
“Lebanese officials must bear their responsibilities and agree on a candidate. After speaking with the parties, it became clear that none of the potential candidates from before June 14 could collect enough votes,” he said in reference to Marada leader Sleiman Frangieh, who is backed by Amal and Hezbollah, and Jihad Azour, the candidate of the opposing camp.
The option of a third candidate is also supported by Saudi Arabia, “which is active again to get Lebanon out of the impasse,” Le Drian added.
[readmore url="https://thisisbeirut.com.lb/lebanon/203894"]
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