French delegation in Beirut: reforms, reconstruction, and Israeli violations at the heart of exchanges

BEIRUT — President Joseph Aoun received a delegation of French deputies, accompanied by French Ambassador Herve Magro, at the Baabda Palace on Tuesday.

The delegation included four parliamentarians from various political backgrounds: Marc Vesnove (Renaissance, presidential party), Arnaud Le Gall (La France insoumise - New Popular Front), Alexandra Masson (Rassemblement National), and Pierre Pribetich (Socialist group and related).

The delegates stated that the election of the former commander-in-chief of the Lebanese army was perceived by the French as a "sign of hope for Lebanon's future" and that the principles asserted in his inaugural speech on Jan. 9 had been "confirmed by the reforms undertaken so far" by the government of Nawaf Salam. They also emphasized that "all groups represented in the French National Assembly agree to defend Lebanon's independence and unity, and stress the necessity for France to stand by it, especially at the beginning of this new presidential term."

Aoun welcomes "Emmanuel Macron's attention" to Lebanon

During this meeting, the head of state asserted that "Lebanon has adhered to the ceasefire agreement in southern Lebanon to the letter" and that "the army has deployed over 85% of the area south of the Litani."

"However, this full deployment up to the border remains hampered by Israel's occupation of the five hills, the ongoing detention of Lebanese prisoners, and its continued acts of aggression," he continued, before recalling Lebanon's demand upon the international community, particularly France and the United States as guarantors of the ceasefire agreement, entered into force on Nov. 27, 2024. "France must exert pressure on Israel to withdraw from the Lebanese territories it still occupies," he asserted.

Aoun also praised "the attention" that French President Emmanuel Macron gives to Lebanon and his "monitoring of the economic and security situation. "I am in regular contact with him, and he constantly reiterates his willingness to assist Lebanon in all areas," he noted.

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He also said that, according to him, the cooperation between the Lebanese army and UNIFIL was "excellent" and that Lebanon remained "committed to maintaining this force in southern Lebanon to help the army ensure security and stability up to the internationally recognized border," adding that "France's role in this domain is essential." These statements come as questions surround the renewal of the mandate of the U.N. force, which is due in August.

The head of state finally insisted on the "essential role" that TotalEnergies must play in the gas exploration efforts in the southern maritime fields. The French multinational is part of the consortium, alongside Italian Eni and QatarEnergy, that acquired exploration and exploitation licenses issued by Lebanon. Suspended since the start of the Gaza war on Oct. 7, 2023, the offshore hydrocarbons issue is a recurring topic of discussion between Beirut and Paris. Joseph Aoun had directly addressed the matter with Emmanuel Macron during his last visit to Lebanon.

The head of state urged his French counterpart to "encourage" the French operator TotalEnergies to "resume" its exploration operations in the offshore oil blocks, after two initial inconclusive drills.

French Ambassador Magro indicated that President Macron's special envoy, Jean-Yves Le Drian, will visit Beirut after the Adha festival, which begins this Friday. This visit aims to "continue discussions with Lebanese officials on subjects of mutual interest, particularly reforms and reconstruction," he said.

The French delegation was also received at the Grand Serail by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. Deputy Brigitte Klinkert stated that the delegation came to Lebanon to show support for the Salam government, specifically praising its work and the reforms it proposes. She mentioned that the meeting with the prime minister focused "on the situation in the south, the efforts of the Lebanese army to strengthen its deployment, the need to complete Israel's withdrawal from the remaining points, as well as the challenges related to reconstruction."