French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna is expected to arrive in Beirut on Saturday. According to a diplomatic source, she will visit the French contingent of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in South Lebanon.
According to the same source, she will also hold talks with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri and Commander-in-Chief of the Army General Joseph Aoun. A possible welcome at the Beirut airport by Colonna's Lebanese counterpart, Abdallah Bou Habib, remains to be confirmed.
This visit "is in line with France's ongoing efforts, particularly since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas on October 7, to prevent a conflagration in the region," according to the diplomatic source. The source added that "Colonna will reiterate the Quai d'Orsay's commitment to Lebanon and its security," and that "her remarks will be made in the political context of the mission of French President Emmanuel Macron's personal envoy for Lebanon, Jean-Yves Le Drian, concerning the presidential elections and reforms."
Macron in Lebanon?
According to the above-mentioned diplomatic source, French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Lebanon is an annual event, especially as it is tradition at the Élysée Palace for the Head of State to spend the Christmas and New Year holidays with French troops. Lebanon's UNIFIL has the largest contingent of French peacekeepers in the world, which explains the motive behind such a visit, although it will only be confirmed 72 hours in advance.
According to the same source, she will also hold talks with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri and Commander-in-Chief of the Army General Joseph Aoun. A possible welcome at the Beirut airport by Colonna's Lebanese counterpart, Abdallah Bou Habib, remains to be confirmed.
This visit "is in line with France's ongoing efforts, particularly since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas on October 7, to prevent a conflagration in the region," according to the diplomatic source. The source added that "Colonna will reiterate the Quai d'Orsay's commitment to Lebanon and its security," and that "her remarks will be made in the political context of the mission of French President Emmanuel Macron's personal envoy for Lebanon, Jean-Yves Le Drian, concerning the presidential elections and reforms."
Macron in Lebanon?
According to the above-mentioned diplomatic source, French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Lebanon is an annual event, especially as it is tradition at the Élysée Palace for the Head of State to spend the Christmas and New Year holidays with French troops. Lebanon's UNIFIL has the largest contingent of French peacekeepers in the world, which explains the motive behind such a visit, although it will only be confirmed 72 hours in advance.
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