Khaberni - French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday that Paris would help the Lebanese authorities prepare for negotiations with Israel, even if it were not directly involved in these talks.
During a joint press conference with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Macron clarified that France's presence at the negotiation table is considered "secondary," emphasizing that it is in Lebanon's interest that everyone provide assistance in these negotiations.
France has historical and close relations with Lebanon and seeks to play a role in these talks, yet it faces opposition from Israel and the United States.
In a related context, Macron called on Israel to "abandon its expansionist ambitions" in Lebanon, adding that Hezbollah must "stop" its attacks on Israeli territories and that disarmament should be handled "by the Lebanese themselves."
Macron said the current ceasefire "should be extended to allow for the start of a real stabilization process."
He called for a "political agreement between Israel and Lebanon that ensures the security of both countries, the unity of Lebanese territory, and lays the foundations for normalizing relations between them."
Macron also affirmed that France is "ready to maintain its commitment in the field" after the departure of the United Nations Interim Force "UNIFIL" scheduled for the end of the year.
