2024-08-15 13:20:55
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Nabih Berri, received the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Stephane Segurnet, and his accompanying delegation during his second term as president in Aindineh, in the presence of the French Ambassador to Lebanon, Hervé Magro .
The parties discussed developments in the political and on-the-ground situation in Lebanon and the region, as well as ongoing Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, bilateral relations between Lebanon and France, and updates on UNIFIL operations in southern Lebanon.
Berri reiterated that Lebanon adheres to the rules of engagement and the right to self-defence in the face of Israeli aggression, which has not spared civilians, media professionals and caregivers in its attacks, not to mention the use of internationally banned weapons, especially phosphorus shells, in agricultural areas and forest areas.
He stressed that “Lebanon strongly believes in the need to extend the mandate of the International Emergency Force operating in southern Lebanon in accordance with the French project and the text of UN Resolution 1701.”
For his part, Sigournet thanked “President Nabih Berri for hosting me and the accompanying delegation. My message is simple: to affirm France’s support for Lebanon at this worrying moment in the region.”
“What we are concerned about is trying to de-escalate the situation. This is my message to the Lebanese authorities and the message I will send to other countries in the region. We hope that the situation can calm down,” he added. “This is a very sensitive time.” .
“France supports the work of UNIFIL. We have worked and are working within the framework of negotiations to ensure that the mandate of UNIFIL is extended to the next 12 months, and this is what we are currently working on at the United Nations,” he continued.
He stressed that “our message is a message of support, solidarity and responsibility, and France will continue to support Lebanon in order to achieve peace in the region. Our main concern is the ceasefire in Gaza, which is fundamental and if we want to discuss peace in the region , which is a necessary element.
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