The Lebanese president, Joseph Aoun (center), is surrounded by the Minister of Justice, Gérald Darmanin, and the Lebanese Minister of Justice, Adel Nassar. (Credit: Photo provided by the Lebanese presidency)
BEIRUT —French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, visiting Beirut to strengthen judicial cooperation between France and Lebanon, stressed during meetings with Lebanese leaders the importance of the "courageous" reforms undertaken by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam's government, saying they are "essential to strengthening Lebanon's independence and sovereignty."
During a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Darmanin welcomed reforms initiated by the judiciary, including the abolition of the death penalty, approved in August. He said Paris was ready to support Lebanon in the "courageous reform process" it has chosen, describing the reforms as an "essential condition for strengthening Lebanon's independence and sovereignty."
"We are completely on Lebanon's side to support it in its sovereignty and, of course, its stability. Judicial independence is absolutely part of that sovereignty and stability," Darmanin said during a joint press conference with his Lebanese counterpart, Adel Nassar.
Aoun, for his part, praised France's "constant" support for Lebanon, particularly the "sacrifices of French soldiers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon," two of whom were killed in attacks during the latest escalation between Hezbollah and Israel. He said the Justice Ministry was "following this matter in cooperation with military justice."
Aoun also strongly condemned the Israeli attacks on the Nabatieh region over the past three days, saying they "undermine" efforts toward a lasting cease-fire and would not protect Israeli citizens.
"Does Israel want peace or war? If it wants war, let it say so clearly," Aoun said, reiterating his "determination to pursue the diplomatic process ... the best solution for both sides."
Nassar also addressed the investigation into the Aug. 4, 2020, Beirut port explosion, saying the investigation by Judge Tarek Bitar had been referred to the Public Prosecutor's Office at the Court of Cassation for its recommendations, ahead of the issuance of an indictment.
"We expect this stage to be completed during October, or by the end of September," Nassar said.
He also highlighted the "historic ties" between France, Lebanon's former mandatory power, and Lebanon.
"The cooperation is deep. We have judges who are currently undergoing training in France," Nassar told AFP.
Darmanin also met with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri at Ain al-Tineh.
Discussions covered the general situation in Lebanon and the region, as well as bilateral relations between Lebanon and France, according to the National News Agency, without providing further details.
A statement issued by Salam's office on X said the meeting also addressed "ways to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the judicial and legal fields, as well as support for the judicial reform process and the strengthening of judicial independence."
The talks also covered developments in southern Lebanon amid the recent Israeli escalation, diplomatic efforts to secure Israel's withdrawal from Lebanese territory and restore stability in the south, the international presence in southern Lebanon and the period following the end of UNIFIL's mandate, as well as support for the Lebanese army.
UNIFIL's mandate expires in December. One option backed by Paris is to maintain an international force, mobilized at the initiative of several countries.
Darmanin said Sunday evening, upon arriving in Beirut, that his visit aimed to strengthen judicial cooperation between France and Lebanon in combating economic and financial crime and terrorism.
He also said his presence in Lebanon was intended to support the "brother country" in its judicial reform plans amid the current difficult circumstances.
The visit follows work undertaken by French President Emmanuel Macron to support Lebanon, Darmanin said.
Judicial cooperation between France and Lebanon also extends to civil matters and the training of legal professionals, he added, noting that several working meetings would be held with Nassar following the Lebanese minister's two recent visits to Paris.
Darmanin is also due to meet with members of Lebanese civil society.
