During a meeting in Paris, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Youssef Raji discussed with his French counterpart, Jean-Noel Barrot, a number of files related to the Lebanese situation and the current challenges facing the country, most notably the path of the ongoing negotiations, support for the Lebanese army, and Lebanese-Syrian relations.
Barrow welcomed the Lebanese Foreign Minister, praising what he described as the “courageous decisions and positions” launched by the Lebanese political authority since last summer, and reiterating his country’s firm support for Lebanon and its solidarity with the negotiation path taken by Beirut, even though Paris is not a direct party in these negotiations.
For his part, Raji stressed the active role played by France, expressing his appreciation for its firm positions, and expressing his hope that the Washington negotiations will lead to a ceasefire and a complete Israeli withdrawal, which will put an end to the daily suffering experienced by the people of the south.
He stressed that Lebanon would not accept anyone negotiating in its name, stressing that the decision to restrict weapons to the state had been made final and irreversible.
The two sides also agreed on the importance of supporting the Lebanese army and enhancing its capabilities, as it is a basic pillar for strengthening the Lebanese position at the negotiating table, and Barrow announced his country’s readiness to organize an international conference to support the military institution, given the strategic importance of this file.
The meeting also discussed the phase that will follow the end of the UNIFIL mission, in addition to Lebanese-Syrian relations, where the French side stressed the importance of moving forward with the demarcation of the land borders between Lebanon and Syria, in a way that contributes to enhancing security, controlling borders, and reducing the phenomenon of smuggling.
