French President Emmanuel Macron urged Israel to hasten its troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon during his visit to Beirut. Emphasizing the need for a strong Lebanese military presence in the region, he announced an international reconstruction conference to support Lebanon’s recovery following the recent war with Hezbollah and the election of Joseph Aoun as president.
French President Emmanuel Macron visited Beirut, marking the first foreign state leader to do so since Joseph Aoun’s election as Lebanon’s president. During this visit, he urged Israel to accelerate its troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon, emphasizing that such actions were necessary under the ceasefire agreement established after the war with Hezbollah.
Macron insisted on the need for Lebanon’s military to maintain a monopoly on weapons and advocated for strengthening the Lebanese army’s presence in the south. He expressed his expectation that Israel would expedite its withdrawal ahead of the January 26 deadline.
At a press conference, Macron stated that complete Israeli withdrawal and a robust deployment of the Lebanese army, alongside UN forces, should occur. He reiterated the urgency of this process, highlighting that progress had been made but must be quickened for a lasting peace.
The truce established, effectively requiring Israeli forces to leave southern Lebanon within 60 days, included provisions for Hezbollah to withdraw its fighters and arms from the area. With around a week left until the cutoff, Macron emphasized the critical need for compliance with the ceasefire terms.
Additionally, Macron announced an upcoming international reconstruction conference in Paris aimed at gathering financial support for Lebanon’s infrastructure recovery. This conference is expected to coincide with President Aoun’s visit to France, reflecting the international community’s commitment to Lebanese stability.
Reporting from Beirut, Al Jazeera correspondent Zeina Khodr emphasized the significance of Macron’s support for Lebanon’s new leadership, claiming, “spring has arrived in Lebanon.” She also noted the importance of forthcoming reforms in various sectors as Aoun’s government forms in response to the changing political landscape.
This article addresses ongoing geopolitical tensions in Lebanon, particularly regarding Israeli troop presence in southern Lebanon. It highlights the implications of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah and the recent election of President Joseph Aoun, which signifies a shift in the local political climate. Macron’s visit and comments signal a reinforced international interest in Lebanese affairs, particularly in terms of military and infrastructural support.
Macron’s visit underscores France’s role in promoting stability in Lebanon after years of conflict. His calls for a full Israeli withdrawal and support for the Lebanese military suggest a strategy aimed at consolidating peace and strength within Lebanon. The upcoming reconstruction conference indicates a broader effort to not only stabilize but also revitalize Lebanon’s infrastructure in collaboration with the international community.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
