French envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian held key talks on Tuesday with Lebanese officials to address pressing security and reform challenges amid ongoing Israeli violations.
Le Drian underscored the urgency of the moment, saying, “Lebanon has a unique opportunity not only to restore internal cohesion but also to improve its international image and regain trust. The reform laws must be passed quickly.” He also reaffirmed France’s commitment, “France has a responsibility to convene an international conference and mobilize donors to support Lebanon once these laws are passed.”
President Joseph Aoun received Le Drian in the evening at Baabda Palace. The meeting formed part of ongoing French efforts to support Lebanon’s political, economic and security sectors.
Discussions focused on Lebanon’s political landscape and its current challenges. Le Drian conveyed Macron’s greetings to President Aoun and reaffirmed France’s continued support. “Lebanon’s resilience deserves international backing,” Le Drian said.
President Aoun praised Macron’s role in mobilizing aid and promoting regional stability, particularly in southern Lebanon. He thanked France for helping renew the UNIFIL mandate, noting its vital cooperation with the Lebanese Army. “UNIFIL’s presence today is not just a Lebanese need, but a regional necessity,” Aoun stated.
Condemning attacks on UNIFIL patrols, Aoun described them as unjustifiable and called for an end to acts that aid the Israeli army and destabilize the South. He also criticized Israel’s ongoing strikes on Lebanon, calling them a breach of the November ceasefire agreement brokered by France and the U.S. He urged international pressure to ensure Israeli compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
The two also addressed economic reforms. Aoun stressed their urgency: “These reforms are for Lebanon first, and only then for the international community.”
On bilateral ties, both reaffirmed their commitment to deepening Lebanese French relations. Aoun thanked Macron for pushing ahead with the upcoming support conference for Lebanon.
Earlier in the day, Le Drian met with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam at the Grand Serail to review the country’s political and economic situation amid persistent Israeli attacks. They also discussed bilateral relations between Lebanon and France.
At Ain el-Tineh, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri expressed grave concern over Israel’s continued breaches of the ceasefire and UN Resolution 1701, after meeting Le Drian and French Ambassador Hervé Magro. “We face ongoing Israeli aggression and violations that undermine Lebanon’s sovereignty,” Berri stated, affirming Parliament’s dedication. “We are committed to passing all necessary reform legislation and must immediately start the reconstruction process to repair the damage caused by Israeli attacks.” Berri also lauded France’s efforts in organizing the upcoming reconstruction conference.
The discussion covered Lebanon’s negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the extension of UNIFIL in southern Lebanon. Berri stressed the importance of international support, adding, “France’s role is crucial in supporting Lebanon against conspiracies targeting UNIFIL and the south.”
Deputy Speaker Elias Bou Saab highlighted the urgent reform agenda, noting, “Speaker Nabih Berri has requested an extraordinary parliamentary session to accelerate the approval of reform laws.” Bou Saab pointed out delays, explaining that “Parliament is waiting for the government to submit the draft law on the financial gap, which is key to passing the banking sector restructuring law.” Other laws under discussion include the electoral law and the maritime border treaty.
He also called for international pressure on Israel, “We request support from France and the United States, as guarantors of the ceasefire, to ensure Israel respects the agreement.”
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