French presidential envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian reaffirmed France’s unwavering support for Lebanon on Tuesday, stressing that France stands by Lebanon “in all circumstances.”
His statement came during meetings with key Lebanese officials to address the country’s ongoing crises.
Le Drian began his tour at the Grand Serail, meeting with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, alongside French Ambassador Hervé Magro and advisor Nicolas Nahas.
He emphasized the importance of diplomatic efforts to resolve Lebanon’s political impasse and halt violence.
He also noted the significance of Prime Minister Mikati’s visit to New York, where he will attend the opening of the UN General Assembly, saying, “It’s crucial at this time, and we hope diplomacy will bring a resolution” to the armed conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
Regarding the presidential deadlock, Le Drian expressed his intent to bridge divides among Lebanese factions to reach a consensus for electing a new president.
The French envoy met with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri at Ain el-Tineh, underscoring the importance of finding solutions to the pressing political challenges in Lebanon.
Later in the afternoon, Mr Le Drian met with Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea who affirmed his party’s readiness at any time to participate in a session called by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri to elect a new president for the country.
The LF leader emphasized that Berri “must take this essential step, especially during this critical phase; if he does not call for a session in these circumstances, then when will he?"
Both men discussed possible solutions to the political deadlock and to the ongoing war between Israel and Hezbollah, in the presence of the French ambassador and Mr Geagea’s counselors. They, then, had a private meeting for 15 minutes.
Le Drian was accompanied by French Ambassador to Lebanon Hervé Magro, Political and Media Attaché Romain Calvary, and Political Attaché Marie Favrel. From the LF side MPs Pierre Bou Assi and George Adwan, former Minister Richard Kouyoumjian, and Tony Darwish attended the meeting.
A meeting with Free Patriotic Movement leader Gebran Bassil is also scheduled for later today.
His statement came during meetings with key Lebanese officials to address the country’s ongoing crises.
Le Drian began his tour at the Grand Serail, meeting with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, alongside French Ambassador Hervé Magro and advisor Nicolas Nahas.
He emphasized the importance of diplomatic efforts to resolve Lebanon’s political impasse and halt violence.
He also noted the significance of Prime Minister Mikati’s visit to New York, where he will attend the opening of the UN General Assembly, saying, “It’s crucial at this time, and we hope diplomacy will bring a resolution” to the armed conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
Regarding the presidential deadlock, Le Drian expressed his intent to bridge divides among Lebanese factions to reach a consensus for electing a new president.
The French envoy met with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri at Ain el-Tineh, underscoring the importance of finding solutions to the pressing political challenges in Lebanon.
Later in the afternoon, Mr Le Drian met with Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea who affirmed his party’s readiness at any time to participate in a session called by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri to elect a new president for the country.
The LF leader emphasized that Berri “must take this essential step, especially during this critical phase; if he does not call for a session in these circumstances, then when will he?"
Both men discussed possible solutions to the political deadlock and to the ongoing war between Israel and Hezbollah, in the presence of the French ambassador and Mr Geagea’s counselors. They, then, had a private meeting for 15 minutes.
Le Drian was accompanied by French Ambassador to Lebanon Hervé Magro, Political and Media Attaché Romain Calvary, and Political Attaché Marie Favrel. From the LF side MPs Pierre Bou Assi and George Adwan, former Minister Richard Kouyoumjian, and Tony Darwish attended the meeting.
A meeting with Free Patriotic Movement leader Gebran Bassil is also scheduled for later today.
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