Macron urges respect for ceasefire, calls on Hezbollah to 'facilitate consensus'
French President Emmanuel Macron has called on both Israel and Hezbollah to respect the ceasefire in Lebanon.
“We will not stop calling for the ceasefire in Lebanon to be respected for the long haul. It is essential for the parties -- and this goes for both Hezbollah and Israel -- to fulfill all their obligations,” Macron said in an interview with An-Nahar newspaper.
“The international community must continue its efforts to support the Lebanese Armed Forces which are a keystone of this agreement and of the restoration of Lebanon’s sovereignty, in line with the conference we held in Paris on 24 October this year,” Macron added.
As for Saudi Arabia, the French leader said it “contributes to Lebanon’s stability and has a role to play in bringing an end to the political crisis.”
“At this crucial time for Lebanon’s future, it is important for us to discuss support to the Lebanese Armed Forces and the reconstruction of the country with the (Saudi) Crown Prince (Mohammed bin Salman), as well as the political prospects opened up by the 9 January session of the Lebanese parliament, in the hope that the president the country so dearly needs is elected,” Macron added.
Urging all Lebanese parties to “contribute to the solution,” the French president called on Hezbollah in particular to “facilitate consensus and foster Lebanese unity.”
“The process needs speeding up now that the ceasefire is in place. I therefore asked (special envoy for Lebanon) Jean-Yves Le Drian to visit Lebanon as soon as it was concluded. I welcome the announcement by the speaker of the parliament to organize a session of the Parliament on 9 January: it is important for it to be conclusive and enable Lebanon to break free of its institutional crisis,” Macron added.
“Now more than ever, Lebanon needs a president capable of conducting a national dialogue addressing the interests of all Lebanese people; and it needs a government and reforms to restore the confidence of international partners to contribute to the country’s reconstruction and stabilization,” Macron urged.
