French President Emmanuel Macron announced on X on Friday that two major conferences will be held by the end of the year to support Lebanon: one focused on the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), described as the “pillar of national sovereignty,” and a second dedicated to the country’s recovery and reconstruction.
Macron said his personal envoy, Jean-Yves Le Drian, will soon travel to Lebanon to work closely with the authorities on implementing the government plan to restore the state’s monopoly on the use of force once it is adopted.
The French president emphasized that Lebanon’s security and sovereignty must rest entirely in the hands of its own authorities. He noted that the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and an end to all violations of Lebanese sovereignty are essential conditions for the plan’s success. France has also reaffirmed its readiness to play a role in handing over the positions still occupied by Israel.
Macron welcomed the unanimous renewal of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mandate, calling it an important signal, and commended the Lebanese government for its “courageous” decisions to restore state authority.
Concluding his message, Macron highlighted his vision for Lebanon: “Security restored, sovereignty affirmed, prosperity rebuilt: this is the future we want for Lebanon, true to the enduring strength of its cedars.”
Comments