The French ambassador Herve Magro during an interview with L'Orient-Le Jour. (Photo: L'Orient-Le Jour)
BEIRUT — During the Bastille Day ceremony at the Résidence des Pins, French Ambassador Herve Magro reiterated his country's support for Lebanon in these very difficult times. "France always stands by Lebanon and in every field ... I can testify that France, with its European Union partners whose major contribution to this country's stability must finally be recognized, has spared no effort and has answered the call both in times of crisis and in times of war," he said.
The French ambassador, whose term is coming to an end, said he was "confident" that the Lebanese could unite around a common project, "that of a sovereign Lebanon, whose territory is no longer occupied and a State that alone holds the monopoly on arms," referring to the Israeli occupation of part of the South following the last war, and the State's efforts to disarm militias and extend its sovereignty across the whole territory.
The French diplomat mentioned the direct talks between Lebanon and Israel, the latest round of which is taking place this week in Rome, stating: "We can only support [the Lebanese authorities] on this path, as faithful friends of Lebanon, because it is their full and entire choice. France is at their disposal, with its partners, to accompany them along the difficult road they have chosen by engaging in direct negotiations under American auspices."
Magro recalled France’s contributions in figures following the war's re-escalation. "From March 2, 2026, [France] launched a response on a large scale totaling 17 million euros for emergency projects carried out by NGOs, agencies, and the Red Cross network, and of course by delivering 100 tons of humanitarian aid in-kind, in close coordination with the government, whose mobilization, under the coordination of the Minister of Social Development, deserves recognition," he noted. These aids are part of a strategy oriented toward health services, as well as contributions to education, heritage protection, and sports.
The French ambassador also mentioned reconstruction after the war. "The needs are enormous, but I am pleased to confirm to you the granting last week of a 75 million euro loan to the Lebanese authorities, to contribute, alongside the World Bank, to government efforts to reconstruct the areas destroyed by the conflict," he said, adding: "The French contribution will mainly support water and energy services in the affected areas. At the same time, with our European Union and Danish partners, we launched a few weeks ago the economic recovery project for the South and the Bekaa, which will respond to the needs of territories hosting displaced populations."
Magro finally called on the Lebanese not to neglect the necessary reforms to be undertaken, "notably economic and financial," but also those concerning the judiciary. "France will remain fully committed to Lebanon’s economic recovery, which requires restructuring the banking sector, seven years after the crisis that brought it down, and the adoption of a reform program, supported by the International Monetary Fund and desired by the Lebanese," he said.
