Macron lauds Aoun's speech, calls for 'step by step' approach in South

French President Emmanuel Macron has noted that the situation in Lebanon "remains extremely fragile," as he described President Joseph Aoun's latest speech as "very important."

"He reflected what we have in mind. He was very firm and efficient vis-a-vis Hezbollah and delivering our plan, which is clearly to restore Lebanese sovereignty in the South and fighting actively against the terrorist groups," Macron said.

"Now what we want to do -- in close coordination with the U.S. because as we know we are together in the coordination mechanism, in direct discussion with Israel -- (is to) deliver this mechanism step by step, to restore sovereignty of Lebanon and the Lebanese forces of the South, withdraw progressively the presence of the Israeli forces and be efficient against Hezbollah," the French leader added.

"So the months and weeks to come will be absolutely critical in this achievement, but I think the commitments taken today by President Aoun were very important and we would follow up," Macron went on to say.

He added: "Meanwhile we will organize as well our conference to support the recovery of Lebanon, in France, and our Saudi friends will organize a conference for the financing of the Lebanese Armed Forces in close link with us, and these two pillars are very important."