French president Emmanuel Macron tackled the “historic upheavals” of the Middle East during his speech to the troops on Saturday, just before the Bastille Day national holiday on Sunday, July 14, 2024.
“Nearly 700 of our soldiers are engaged in UNIFIL, with numerous partners,” he said, adding that “their mission is essential, and is being carried out in conditions that I understand are complex.” Macron emphasized that France will not accept UNIFIL’s action being hindered or anesthetized. “Resolution 1701 must be fully implemented. Our determination in this respect is unwavering,” he said.
UNIFIL was created by the Security Council in March 1978 to confirm Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, restore international peace and security and assist the Lebanese Government in restoring its effective authority in the area. As of July 1, UNIFIL’s force consists of 10,031 peacekeepers from 49 troop-contributing countries. [Editor’s note]
The French President emphasized that France does not practice “double standards,” pointing out that a “ceasefire in Gaza is also necessary” and the safety of the Lebanese must be guaranteed.
“France is taking action to combat the risk of conflagration with the tragedy in Gaza, the risks hanging over friendly Lebanon and the various crisis zones,” Macron assured.
He stated that France will ensure that no power, either by itself or through its auxiliaries, triggers the feared conflagration, adding that Israel’s security is non-negotiable.
