President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, expressed his gratitude for the role played by French President Emmanuel Macron in preparing for the two conferences aimed at supporting the Lebanese army and Lebanon’s reconstruction efforts.
During his meeting with French presidential envoy, former Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, this morning at Baabda Palace, President Aoun said that “Lebanon is committed to implementing economic and financial reforms not only because it is an international demand, but also because of a strong Lebanese conviction that these reforms are essential for economic recovery.”
During the meeting, which was also attended by the French Ambassador to Lebanon, Hervé Magro, President Aoun told Le Drian that the government “is working to finalize the draft law on financial gap during this month of September to be submitted to Parliament for review and approval, following the enactment of the banking secrecy law, banking sector restructuring law, and other measures and procedures.”
President Aoun also pointed out that “the Lebanese army is continuing to implement the security plan, starting from the south Litani region, to eliminate all armed manifestations from all sides, whether Lebanese or Palestinian. However, the continued Israeli occupation of parts of Lebanese territory prevents the army from completing its deployment along the international border.”
President Aoun added: “Lebanon has repeatedly called for obliging Israel to abide by the agreement announced on November 27, but all such appeals have gone unanswered, whereby the Israel side continues its attacks on Lebanon and has not yet released any of the Lebanese prisoners, and has not complied with the implementation of Resolution 1701.”
President Aoun emphasized that “any French or American pressure on Israel to respond to the international community’s will to cease hostilities against Lebanon would help in implementing the security plan drawn up by the Lebanese army and approved by the Cabinet last week.”
The President pointed out that “the Lebanese army continues its operations throughout the country and along the borders, setting up checkpoints and conducting patrols, and has strict orders to confiscate weapons and ammunition from any source.”
President Aoun reiterated Lebanon’s gratitude to President Macron and the French diplomacy for their role in securing the extension of the mandate of the international peacekeeping force for one year and four months as an operational force, and for an additional full year for the commencement of its withdrawal from southern Lebanon. He stated that “this timeframe will ensure an orderly departure of the UNIFIL troops and will provide the Lebanese army with the necessary time to enhance its capabilities, especially if Israel withdraws its forces and ceases its attacks.”
President Aoun stressed to the French envoy that “the government is fulfilling its duties in full, and that Lebanon is looking forward to the convening of the conferences on supporting the army and on reconstruction and economic recovery, given the positive results that these conferences will yield. We believe that supporting the army is of equal importance to reconstruction, because the role played by the army and the armed forces in maintaining security and stability provides the necessary environment for reconstruction and economic development.”
The President of the Republic emphasized that “the unity and solidarity among the Lebanese are unwavering and beyond question,’’ adding that ‘’differences of opinion on certain political issues are normal in democratic systems, but it is certain that no one is working to undermine the unity of the Lebanese position on fateful issues and national constants.”
Le Drian, in turn, conveyed to President Aoun the greetings of French President Emmanuel Macron and his assurance of continued French support to Lebanon in all areas, particularly regarding efforts to hold two international conferences: one on supporting the Lebanese army and the other on supporting Lebanon’s economy and reconstruction.
Le Drian briefed President Aoun on the encouraging outcomes of his recent meetings in Saudi Arabia, noting that “the measures taken by Lebanon on August 5 and September 5, including the army’s plan to establish exclusive state control over weapons and the enactment of reform laws in the economic and financial sectors- were positive steps that will help increase external support for Lebanon in all areas.”
Meeting with Speaker Berri
House Speaker, Nabih Berri, on Thursday welcomed at the second presidency headquarters in Ain el-Tineh, the French Presidential Envoy Le Drian, and his accompanying delegation, in the presence of French Ambassador to Lebanon, Hervé Magro, and Speaker Berri’s Advisor, Dr. Mahmoud Berri.
The discussion reportedly touched on the current situation in Lebanon and the region, latest political developments and the bilateral relations between Lebanon and France.
Speaker Berri also received Yasma Fuleihan, the widow of the late Minister Bassel Fuleihan, who paid him a courtesy visit to express her gratitude for the medal awarded to the late Minister on the twentieth anniversary of his martyrdom.
The visit also provided an opportunity for Lamia Moubayed, the president of the Basel Fuleihan Financial Institute, to present the Institute’s programs and activities.
Berri later met with MP Faisal Karami, with whom he discussed the latest political developments as well as legislative and developmental issues.
Le Drian, arrived at the Grand Serail to meet with Prime Minister Dr. Nawaf Salam.
Source: NNA
