French President Emmanuel Macron will visit Lebanon on Friday, following the election of Joseph Aoun as president. This trip underscores France’s commitment to supporting Lebanese sovereignty and coincides with new leadership and a plan to address a five-year economic crisis. The visit will also focus on implementing a ceasefire agreement related to regional tensions, particularly with Hezbollah.
French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to arrive in Lebanon on Friday, marking his second visit following the recent election of Leban’s new president. The Lebanese presidency, held by Joseph Aoun, has been vacant for two years, with the election occurring under international pressure, notably from France. Aoun has appointed Nawaf Salam as prime minister, tasked with forming a cabinet amid a severe five-year economic crisis.
Macron’s visit aims to reaffirm France’s commitment to supporting Lebanon’s sovereignty. Since the devastating explosion at Beirut’s port in 2020, which resulted in over 220 fatalities, Macron has visited Lebanon twice. This trip is timely as it coincides with a ceasefire, brokered alongside U.S. President Joe Biden, which concluded a major conflict involving Israel and Hezbollah. Under the ceasefire agreement, the Lebanese army has a defined period to deploy with UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon. Furthermore, Hezbollah must withdraw its forces from certain areas and dismantle military infrastructure.
During his visit, President Macron intends to discuss the ceasefire’s implementation, further underscoring France’s role within UN peacekeeping efforts. He expressed optimism regarding Prime Minister Salam’s appointment, viewing it as “hope for change” within the country. Macron’s office articulated hopes for Salam’s cabinet to reflect Lebanese diversity and strength. Notably, a recent conference in Paris raised approximately $800 million in humanitarian aid for Lebanon, highlighting ongoing international support for the beleaguered nation.
The context surrounding President Macron’s visit to Lebanon stems from the recent political developments in the country, where after two years of a vacant presidency, Joseph Aoun was elected as president. The appointment of Nawaf Salam as prime minister represents a crucial step in efforts to address the dire economic situation that Lebanon has faced for five years. France, historically a significant player in Lebanese affairs due to its colonial past, has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region, especially after the catastrophic explosion in Beirut in 2020. Furthermore, the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah is critical in shaping the security dynamics of southern Lebanon, emphasizing the need for international cooperation and oversight, particularly involving France and the United States. Macrons’s visits signify France’s unwavering support and commitment to Lebanon’s sovereignty and stability.
In conclusion, President Macron’s upcoming visit to Lebanon represents France’s steadfast commitment to supporting the nation during a challenging political and economic period. With a new president and prime minister in place, Lebanon is poised to address its pressing issues. By reaffirming France’s support and reinforcing the ceasefire agreement, Macron aims to foster hope for stability and progress in Lebanon. The international community remains engaged, as evidenced by the significant aid raised to assist Lebanon during this critical time.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
