France continues its intensive diplomatic efforts towards Lebanon with the aim of restoring stability and preventing the escalation of tense situations in the country. This French move comes in light of the delicate regional circumstances and the economic and political pressures facing Lebanon. The recent visit by French official Anne-Claire Legendre is part of these efforts, reflecting Paris’s desire to activate its traditional role as a guarantor of stability in Lebanon, continue supporting the army and government institutions, in addition to its endeavor to stop the escalation on the southern borders.
The French envoy, Anne-Claire Legendre, advisor to the French President for Middle East and North Africa affairs, visited Baabda Palace and met with President Joseph Aoun, where she discussed with him the general situation and recent developments in Lebanon and the region. Legendre handed President Aoun a written letter from French President Emmanuel Macron, without revealing its contents, but it is believed that it relates to the latest security and political developments in Lebanon, and the ongoing preparations for holding an international conference to support the Lebanese army.
According to informed diplomatic sources, this visit comes within the framework of France’s endeavor to establish a ceasefire in southern Lebanon, and to activate the coordination mechanism between the Lebanese army and UNIFIL forces, with the aim of strengthening border stability and preventing the expansion of tension.
The visit also aims to prepare for the conference that France will host soon to support the Lebanese army, given the financial and logistical challenges facing the military establishment. This reflects Paris’s constant concern to maintain the strength of the army and its role as an internal stability factor.
Legendre is scheduled to complete her meetings in Beirut, where she will visit Ain El-Tineh to meet with Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, and will also meet with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Foreign Minister Youssef Raji to discuss political and security files, and to emphasize France’s commitment to supporting the stability of Lebanon and its legitimate institutions.
