French President Emmanuel Macron has called for Israel to accelerate its troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon as the deadline approaches under a ceasefire agreement. His visit coincides with the election of Joseph Aoun as Lebanon’s president, and he emphasized the need for Lebanese military dominance in the region. Macron also announced plans for an international reconstruction conference to support infrastructure development in Lebanon.
French President Emmanuel Macron has urged Israel to hasten its troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon ahead of a deadline stipulated in a ceasefire that concluded a violent conflict with Hezbollah last year. During his recent visit to Beirut, Macron emphasized that Lebanon should possess a complete monopoly on weaponry and expressed France’s commitment to strengthening the Lebanese military’s presence in the region.
Macron’s visit marks the first by a foreign head of state following the election of Joseph Aoun as Lebanon’s president. Speaking alongside President Aoun, a former commander of the Lebanese military, Macron called for a total withdrawal of Israeli forces from the area, stating, “We need a total withdrawal of the Israeli army.”
The ceasefire agreement mandates Israeli withdrawal by January 26, with Hezbollah also required to remove its fighters from southern Lebanon. Macron reiterated the need for swift and lasting compliance with the ceasefire terms, underscoring the imperative for the Lebanese army to establish exclusive control over any weaponry in the region.
Moreover, Macron announced plans for an upcoming international reconstruction conference in Paris, aimed at mobilizing support for Lebanon’s infrastructure development. This initiative occurs as France seeks to bolster Lebanon’s new leadership and address necessary reforms across various sectors, including the judiciary and finance.
In his coverage of Macron’s remarks, Al Jazeera’s Zeina Khodr noted the potential optimism surrounding Lebanon’s new government, indicating, “spring has arrived in Lebanon.” This statement reflects the broader aspirations for a renewed political landscape and stability in the country during this transitional phase.
Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Lebanon is significant as it showcases international diplomatic engagement after a tumultuous period marked by conflict and political instability. Following the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, Lebanon stands at a critical juncture, needing to establish security and governance while maintaining regional peace. This context highlights the importance of Lebanon’s military cohesion and France’s role in supporting the country’s recovery and reform agenda.
In conclusion, President Macron’s call for Israel to expedite troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon underscores the urgency for compliance with the established ceasefire. His commitment to strengthening the Lebanese military and organizing a reconstruction conference reflects France’s intention to support Lebanon’s new leadership and facilitate the nation’s recovery. The upcoming weeks are pivotal for the implementation of reforms and stability within the region.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
