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 — During a visit to Beirut to strengthen judicial coordination between France and Lebanon, French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin insisted during his meetings with leaders on the importance of the "courageous" reforms undertaken by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s government, saying they are "essential for strengthening the independence and sovereignty of Lebanon."
In a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Darmanin praised the reforms initiated by the judiciary, including the abolition of the death penalty, which was passed in August. He emphasized that Paris is ready to support Lebanon in the "courageous process of reform" it has chosen. In this context, he deemed these reforms an "essential condition for strengthening Lebanon’s independence and sovereignty."
For his part, President Aoun praised France's "constant" support for Lebanon, especially "the sacrifices of French soldiers committed within the U.N. Interim Force in the South," two of whom were killed in attacks during the latest escalation between Hezbollah and Israel. He asserted that the Justice Ministry "is following up this case in cooperation with the military judiciary." He strongly condemned the Israeli attacks over the past three days on the Nabatieh region, adding that they "undermine" efforts for a lasting cease-fire and will not protect Israeli citizens.
For his part, Lebanese Justice Minister Adel Nassar raised the issue of Beirut's Aug. 4, 2020, port explosion, noting that the investigation by Investigating Judge at the court of justice, Tarek Bitar, has been forwarded to the Public Prosecutor at the Court of Cassation for submission of his requisitions, prior to the publication of the indictment. “We expect that this stage will be completed during the month of October, or by the end of September,” he said.
Darmanin was also received by Prime Minister Salam and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in Ain al-Tineh. "The discussions focused on the general situation in Lebanon and the region, as well as on bilateral relations between Lebanon and France," the state-run National News Agency (NNA) said, without further details.
On Sunday evening, upon arriving in Beirut, the justice minister said on X that his visit aimed to develop judicial cooperation between France and Lebanon in combating economic and financial crime, and in the fight against terrorism. He added that his presence in Lebanon was also meant to "support Lebanon, a ‘sister country,’ in its projects of judicial reform in this difficult context." "It follows on from the efforts initiated by the president of the French Republic to support and help Lebanon," he stressed. Judicial cooperation between France and Lebanon "also takes place in civil matters and in the training of legal professionals. To this end, several meetings will be held with my Lebanese counterpart and friend Adel Nassar following his two trips to Paris," Darmanin further noted.
The French justice minister is also scheduled to meet with members of Lebanese civil society.
