BEIRUT, Jan 24 (NNN-NNA) – Lebanese Prime Minister, Nawaf Salam, and French President, Emmanuel Macron, held talks in Paris yesterday, focusing on supporting Lebanon’s armed forces, advancing government reforms, and planning for southern Lebanon, after the UN peacekeeping mission ends.
The leaders discussed a conference in Paris, scheduled for Mar 5, aimed at supporting the Lebanese army and security forces. They highlighted the Lebanese army’s expanded authority, south of the Litani River, and reaffirmed commitment to a Nov, 2024, ceasefire.
Salam stressed the need to stop Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty, and called for Israel’s withdrawal from all remaining occupied Lebanese territories.
He also reiterated his government’s plan, to consolidate weapons under state authority, and the importance of finding an alternative framework to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, once its mandate ends later this year.
Macron voiced strong support for Lebanon’s financial reforms, which could help pave the way for an International Monetary Fund agreement, and a future conference in Paris, to support Lebanon’s recovery and reconstruction.
On social platform X, Macron wrote after the meeting that, France stands with Lebanon in defending its sovereignty, supporting its armed forces, and backing its reforms.
He said, Paris is preparing the March conference, to strengthen the Lebanese armed forces’ essential role in maintaining Lebanon’s stability and sovereignty.– NNN-NNA