Jean-Yves Le Drian, the French President Emmanuel Macron’s personal representative for Lebanon, initiated his third mission to Beirut on Tuesday, September 12, by meeting with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, in the presence of French ambassador to Lebanon Hervé Magro at the Grand Serail.

During the meeting, Mikati declared that “the solution to the current crisis in Lebanon hinges upon the election of a new President of the Republic and the implementation of economic reforms, in particular the texts currently pending in Parliament.”

For his part, Le Drian declared that he has “come to Lebanon to resume his mission.”

He added that he would abstain from giving an opinion until he has completed his contacts and meetings.

According to Mikati’s press office, Le Drian hoped that “the initiative announced by the Speaker of Parliament, Nabih Berri, would set the stage for a viable solution.”

Of note, Berri had called on August 31 for “a seven-day dialogue during the month of September, at the end of which successive parliamentary sessions would be held until the election of a President of the Republic.” In a statement to the daily Al-Liwaa on Monday, he predicted a “merger” between his proposal and the French initiative, because according to him “they complement each other.”

Ain el-Tineh

Le Drian proceeded with his tour, heading to Ain el-Tineh for a meeting with Berri.

At the end of the meeting with Le Drian, the Speaker noted a “convergence of views on the fact that dialogue is the only solution to emerge from the current crisis and finalize the presidential election.” He added, according to his press office, “This is currently possible for those who want the interest of Lebanon.”

Yarzeh

Subsequently, the French envoy met with the Army’s Commander-in-chief, General Joseph Aoun, in Yarzeh.

The army specified on its X account that the meeting focused on “the security situation and the challenges facing the army, in particular the Syrian exodus and the Palestinian situation.”

“Le Drian expressed his country’s continued support for the army to strengthen its capabilities in carrying out various missions,” the army added.

It is worth noting that Aoun is considered the consensual candidate par excellence. According to several sources, Qatar, a member of the Group of Five (which also includes France, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United States), is working more and more actively toward his election as President of the Republic.