Macron said in his speech: “We are holding this conference in support of Lebanon and to provide assistance to its people,” warning that “the war must not spread to Lebanon.”
He added: “We are working to protect Lebanon’s sovereignty and help it confront what it is going through,” stressing the necessity of a ceasefire and Lebanon’s commitment to neutrality.
He added: “There must be a ceasefire, peacekeeping measures must be taken along the Blue Line, and conditions must be provided for the return of the displaced,” explaining that “there is no justification for targeting UNIFIL forces in southern Lebanon.”
He said: “We will contribute to the redeployment and arming of the Lebanese army and support the measures taken by the Lebanese authorities,” and he believed that “the Lebanese army has a decisive role in these circumstances by ensuring security for all Lebanese.”
Macron expressed his regret that “Iran is pushing the Lebanese faction movement against Israel,” stressing that “Israel must stop its military operations in Lebanon, and the attacks of the Lebanese factions on Israel must be stopped, and Resolution 1701 regarding Lebanon must be implemented.”
In turn, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his concern for “the safety of civilians on both sides of the Blue Line,” warning that “Israel continues its violent bombing of populated areas in Lebanon.”
He stressed that “Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected and civilians must be protected, and I call on Lebanon’s leaders to ensure the effectiveness of institutions, especially the army,” adding: “Targeting UNIFIL forces in Lebanon may constitute a war crime.”
For his part, caretaker Prime Minister in Lebanon, Najib Mikati, confirmed that the ceasefire in Lebanon “will open the door to a diplomatic path that will be fully supported by the government. This path aims to address security concerns along the southern border as well as conflicts along the Blue Line.”
He said, “The Israeli aggression against Lebanon led to the displacement of 1.4 million people, and the Israeli attacks caused destruction and displacement that led to a humanitarian crisis that requires immediate attention from the international community,” calling for “an immediate ceasefire that allows for diplomatic action to address the situation along the border.” “.
He continued: “Our commitment to increasing the number of soldiers in the army in accordance with Resolution 1701 is evidence of our commitment to this UN resolution,” calling on the international community to “hold accountable everyone responsible for violating international humanitarian law.”
He continued: “We support the UNIFIL forces and the importance of their role in achieving stability, and we renew our commitment to cooperate with them,” pointing out that “stability is achieved through an immediate ceasefire, the implementation of Resolution 1701, and addressing conflicts along the Blue Line.”
He added: “United Nations Security Council Resolution No. 1701 in its current form remains the cornerstone of stability and security in southern Lebanon, and the full and immediate implementation of this resolution by Lebanon and Israel would preserve Lebanon’s sovereignty.”
Source: RT
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Interview with Political Analyst Dr. Lisa Hartman on Recent Developments in Lebanon
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Hartman. Let’s dive right into President Macron’s speech regarding Lebanon. He emphasized the need for a ceasefire and urged for Lebanon’s neutrality. What are the implications of this for the ongoing conflict in the region?
Dr. Hartman: Thank you for having me. Macron’s insistence on a ceasefire is critical, as it reflects the urgent need to de-escalate tensions not just between Israel and Hezbollah, but more broadly in the region. His call for Lebanon to maintain neutrality is also significant; it underscores the importance of preserving Lebanon’s sovereignty while avoiding becoming a battleground for external conflicts. This neutrality is essential to protect civilians and promote stability.
Editor: Macron pointed out the need to support the Lebanese army and criticized Iranian influence in the region. How do you see the role of the Lebanese army evolving in this context?
Dr. Hartman: The Lebanese army’s role is indeed crucial, especially as Macron emphasized its importance in maintaining security for all Lebanese. By providing military support and potentially redeploying resources to the Lebanese army, France aims to strengthen Lebanese institutions against both external pressures and internal divisions. However, this also relies on the Lebanese government’s ability to assert control and navigate the complex political landscape influenced by various factions.
Editor: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern for civilian safety and called for respect of Lebanon’s sovereignty. How do you assess the UN’s role in this situation?
Dr. Hartman: The UN’s role is paramount, particularly in monitoring and enforcing international resolutions like Resolution 1701, which calls for the disarmament of militias and the respect of Lebanon’s borders. Guterres’s remarks highlight the need for the international community to ensure that both Israel and Lebanese factions refrain from actions that escalate violence. The UN Peacekeeping Force in Lebanon, known as UNIFIL, must be backed and protected to effectively fulfill its mandate.
Editor: Macron also warned that there is no justification for targeting UNIFIL forces. Why is this particularly concerning?
Dr. Hartman: Attacks on UNIFIL forces undermine international peacekeeping efforts and potentially destabilize the situation even further. It’s concerning because it not only puts peacekeepers at risk but also complicates the broader mission of facilitating dialogue and ensuring security in the region. Such actions can lead to international condemnation and might provoke more robust responses from member nations, which could escalate the conflict instead of resolving it.
Editor: As we conclude, what do you think are the next steps for the international community in addressing the crisis in Lebanon?
Dr. Hartman: The international community must prioritize diplomatic efforts to facilitate a ceasefire and make sure that humanitarian assistance reaches those in need. Engaging all relevant parties in a dialogue is critical, and there must be a clear message sent regarding the protection of civilians and UN personnel. It’s a delicate balancing act, but without concerted efforts to stabilize Lebanon, the risks of escalation remain high.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Hartman, for your insights on this complex issue. It’s certainly a crucial time for Lebanon and the broader region.
Dr. Hartman: Thank you for having me. It’s important to stay informed and engaged as these developments unfold.
FIL, plays a critical role in stabilizing the area, but it requires full cooperation and respect from all parties involved to be effective.
Editor: Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati mentioned the humanitarian crisis resulting from Israeli actions, stating that an immediate ceasefire is necessary for diplomatic efforts. How do you envision this playing out on the ground?
Dr. Hartman: Mikati’s call for a ceasefire opens a window for diplomatic discussions, but the real challenge lies in implementing it effectively. With over 1.4 million people displaced, the humanitarian needs are immense and pressing international attention is crucial. A ceasefire can certainly facilitate humanitarian aid deliveries, but it must be backed by a commitment from both sides to engage in dialogue and address the underlying issues that have perpetuated the conflict, particularly along the Blue Line.
Editor: Moving forward, what would be the key steps for both the Lebanese authorities and the international community to ensure stability in the region?
Dr. Hartman: Firstly, there needs to be a concerted effort to respect and implement Resolution 1701, which calls for stability, disarmament, and recognition of Lebanon’s sovereignty. The Lebanese government must also unify its internal factions and strengthen its military capabilities to maintain order. Meanwhile, the international community, particularly through the UN, must prioritize humanitarian assistance and mediate a comprehensive dialogue that addresses both security concerns and humanitarian needs. Only through cooperation and mutual respect can we hope to build lasting peace in the region.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Hartman, for your insights on this complex issue. It’s crucial for us to follow these developments closely as they unfold.
Dr. Hartman: Thank you for having me; it’s been a pleasure discussing this important topic.
