Aoun visits France to discuss Lebanon’s reforms and ceasefire
Lebanese President Michel Aoun visited France on March 28th, beginning talks with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss Lebanon’s necessary economic reforms and efforts to stabilise the country, reports The New Arab.
His visit, marking his first trip to a European country since his election in January, comes as Paris increases pressure on Beirut to implement reforms and stabilise the country amid growing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.
The ceasefire, brokered by France and the United States in November, had stipulated that Hezbollah remove its weapons from southern Lebanon, Israeli forces would withdraw, and the Lebanese Army would deploy in the region.
However, both Hezbollah and Israel have accused each other of violating the agreement.
On March 28th, the Israeli military reported airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, just hours after missiles were fired from Lebanese territory into Israel.
A French presidency official, speaking ahead of the talks, expressed the importance of maintaining the ceasefire and working towards its full implementation.
“It seems to us today that we have to move forward on the possibility of a complete respect of the ceasefire,” the official stated.
France, alongside the US, serves as a guarantor of the accord.
In addition to President Aoun and President Macron, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad will join the talks by video call to discuss the broader situation in Lebanon’s neighboring country, particularly in light of the deadly cross-border clashes that left 10 people dead earlier in March.
French officials emphasised the importance of ensuring that Syria remains committed to non-interference in Lebanon’s internal affairs while also addressing security threats that may arise from Syrian territory.
The talks will also include the Cypriot president and the Greek prime minister, both of whom will attend in person.
Cyprus and Greece have expressed caution about lifting EU sanctions on Syria, particularly due to concerns regarding maritime boundary talks between Syria and Turkey, which could affect waters claimed by Greece and Cyprus.
This diplomatic visit to France to discuss Lebanon’s reforms underscores the ongoing regional challenges Lebanon faces and the international community’s role in supporting its stability while pushing for crucial reforms.
The New Arab
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