Speaking from Beirut’s Pine Palace today (Friday), French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrault confirmed that the region is at a delicate turning point, stressing that Lebanon is today at the heart of implementing a ceasefire plan that limits arms to the state, in addition to financial reforms, and that this requires continuing decisive action despite regional tensions.
Mr. Barrow said there are three fundamental priorities at this stage, the first of which is security, stressing that France adheres to the ceasefire agreement and insists on its implementation by all parties and Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanese territory.
He added that an international conference will be held in Paris on 5 March dedicated to mobilizing the necessary support for the Lebanese army and security forces, with the aim of implementing the arms inventory plan and preparing for the post-withdrawal phase of UNIFIL forces, stressing the need for Lebanon to regain the trust of the Lebanese people and the international community, and affirming France’s support for international mobilization efforts for reconstruction.
Mr. Barrow’s visit to Beirut was the second stop on his regional tour from Iraq, following his visit from Damascus, during which he emphasized the priority of confronting ISIS.
The French minister is scheduled to meet tomorrow Saturday with senior Lebanese officials, including army commander Rodolphe Heikal, weeks before the Paris conference and in light of increasing American pressure to accelerate the disarmament of Hezbollah.
Speaking from the Pine Palace in Beirut today (Friday), French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrault confirmed that the region is at a critical juncture, stressing that Lebanon is at the center of implementing a cease-fire plan and arms disarmament in national hands, alongside financial reforms, and that this requires continuing to work firmly despite tensions in the region.
Barot said there are three main priorities at this stage, with security being the top priority, affirming France’s commitment to the ceasefire agreement and insisting on its implementation by all parties, and Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanese territory.
He added that Paris will host an international conference on March 5 dedicated to mobilizing the necessary support for the Lebanese army and security forces, with the aim of implementing disarmament plans and preparing for the post-UNIFIL withdrawal phase, stressing the need for Lebanon to regain the trust of the Lebanese people and the international community, and reaffirming France’s support for international efforts for reconstruction.
Barot’s visit to Beirut comes as the second stop on his regional tour after arriving from Iraq, after starting his tour in Damascus, where he highlighted his priorities for countering the Islamic State group.
Amid growing US pressure to hasten Hezbollah’s disarmament, French ministers are scheduled to meet with top Lebanese officials, including army chief Rudolf Heikal, tomorrow Saturday, weeks before the Paris conference.
