French conference to support the Lebanese Army after Israeli elections

Beirut – Mansour Shaaban: President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, told a delegation of the Synod of the Greek Orthodox Church, led by Patriarch John X Yazigi, that “the course of wars always differs from what the warring parties expect. Wars can only end through negotiation and dialogue, whereas their continuation leads to further destruction, casualties, and bloodshed.”

He stressed that “the primary goal of negotiation is the Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories, the release of prisoners, the return of displaced persons, reconstruction, and the deployment of the Lebanese army across all Lebanese territories. There is no disagreement in Lebanon regarding these objectives; rather, the difference lies in the methods and means of achieving them.”

He pointed out that “our primary goal is to rebuild trust between the people and the state, and between Lebanese residents and the diaspora. Our unity is the foundation, as we have one homeland, one flag, and one identity. Lebanon, as Pope John Paul II said, is a message, and it is enriched by its diversity and pluralism, and we must leverage this advantage.” He noted that “some fuel sectarian and confessional animosities for personal interests at the expense of their country, and there are those who collaborate with external actors against their fellow Lebanese within the country. This is our problem in Lebanon. Instead, we must strengthen each other internally against external adversaries.”

For his part, Patriarch Yazigi said: “We are in an unconventional era that requires you, with wisdom and expertise, to take the lead in making unconventional decisions to guide Lebanon through the international political minefields, where axis conflicts are erupting and continuing to erupt. We are here with you, Your Excellency the President, in your role that places you before your historical responsibility, and we trust in your wisdom.”

Meanwhile, discussions continued in Beirut regarding what will follow the expiration of the mandate of the international forces operating in the south, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), on December 31, 2026. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed regret over the end of their presence and announced that France would hold a conference to support the Lebanese army after the Israeli elections, affirming the continuation of French efforts to restore calm and stability to Lebanon. Agence France-Presse (AFP) quoted him as confirming that Paris would explore ways to provide support to the Lebanese army, which enjoys backing from international powers.

In Beirut, Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri and the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jean Arnault, discussed the southern situation and UN programs in Lebanon. There was also mutual confirmation of Saudi Ambassador Fahd bin Abdulrahman Al-Dosari’s visit to Prime Minister Dr. Nawaf Salam at the Saeb Palace, during which he affirmed his country’s support for Lebanon and Salam’s support for the Kingdom’s efforts to protect its territory and citizens.