French President Emmanuel Macron visited Beirut on Friday, reinforcing his call for the Lebanese military to assert full control over weapons in the nation's south. Macron emphasized the necessity of an Israeli troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon by January 26, aligning with the ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States and France. This landmark visit marks Macron as the first foreign leader to engage with Lebanon's newly elected President Joseph Aoun, underscoring France's commitment to supporting Lebanon's new leadership and fostering regional stability.
Macron's visit aimed at strengthening the Lebanese army's deployment in the south, a strategic move to ensure that Lebanon's military maintains a monopoly on weaponry. He reiterated this stance during a joint statement with President Aoun, who previously commanded the Lebanese military before taking office. Macron highlighted the importance of accelerating the truce implementation, noting that only a week remains until the ceasefire deadline.
“We need a total withdrawal of the Israeli army,” Macron stated, emphasizing the urgency of adhering to the ceasefire terms.
The ceasefire, effective since November 27, mandates Hezbollah to evacuate its fighters and weapons from southern Lebanon, paving the way for regional peace. A dedicated committee with representatives from Israel, Lebanon, France, the United States, and the United Nations peacekeeping force oversees compliance with this agreement.
Macron also announced France's initiative to host an international reconstruction conference for Lebanon in Paris. This conference aims to mobilize global support for rebuilding Lebanon's infrastructure, ravaged by conflict and economic challenges.
“As soon as the president [Aoun] comes to Paris in a few weeks time, we will organise around him an international reconstruction conference to drum up funding,” Macron pledged.
“The international community must prepare for massive support to the reconstruction of infrastructure,” he further elaborated.
Macron's visit and statements underscore France's dedication to facilitating peace and stability in Lebanon. His remarks reflect a commitment not only to military and strategic priorities but also to addressing the humanitarian and infrastructural needs of Lebanon.
