France to Help Lebanon Prepare for Negotiations with Israel

JAKARTA - French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Paris would help Lebanon in preparing negotiations with Israel.

"We will help the Lebanese government as much as possible in preparing for these negotiations and in developing the necessary plans to restore full sovereignty," Macron said at a joint press conference with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, reported by ANTARA from Sputnik/RIA Novosti, Wednesday, April 22.

France will also send nearly 10 tons of humanitarian aid to Lebanon in the coming days, bringing the total amount of humanitarian aid donated by Paris to 70 tons, Macron added.

Macron stressed that France is ready to continue its military presence in Lebanon after the completion of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeeping mission at the end of 2026.

"If Lebanon wants it, France is also ready to continue its commitment on the ground after the planned departure of UNIFIL at the end of the year, together with the most involved partners, within the framework of which we need to determine together," Macron said.

In addition to participating in UN missions, France also trains Lebanese soldiers and supplies the country with weapons and equipment.