I met with the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot, with whom I discussed several sensitive issues related to the situation in Lebanon and the challenges currently facing the State.
Mr. Barrot described the decisions and positions taken by the political authorities since last summer as “courageous,” and reiterated France’s support for the ongoing negotiations, even though Paris is not a direct party to them.
For my part, I expressed the hope that these negotiations will lead to a ceasefire and a complete Israeli withdrawal. I emphasized that Lebanon will not accept anyone negotiating on its behalf and that the decision to reserve the right to bear arms to the State has been taken definitively and irrevocably.
We agreed on the importance of supporting the Lebanese Army and strengthening its capabilities, as it constitutes an essential pillar for consolidating Lebanon’s position at the negotiating table. Mr. Barrot also announced France’s willingness to organize an international conference in support of the military institution.
: Youssef Raggi
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lebanon