Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati received French presidential envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian at the Grand Serail on Wednesday. During the meeting, the French envoy emphasized that his visit to Lebanon aims to reaffirm the position of the "Five-Member Committee," urging Lebanese to unify their stance and expedite the presidential elections while expressing readiness to assist them in this regard. He noted that he would hold several meetings aimed at ensuring Lebanese consensus on current political milestones.
Subsequently, the French envoy visited Yarzeh, where he met with Army Commander General Joseph Aoun, accompanied by the French ambassador to Lebanon, Hervé Magro. The discussions focused on the overall situation in Lebanon and the latest developments in the south. Le Drian praised the army's performance amid the challenges it faces, reaffirming his country's unconditional support for the military institution. General Aoun thanked France for its continuous interest in the army, including ongoing medical aid.
After that, Le Drian moved to Ain al-Tineh to meet with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. He then headed to Maarrab to meet with Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea, who stated that "Hezbollah wants a president for itself, while we want a president for Lebanon, and those who are obstructing sessions are from the resistance bloc. The issue is not with the Maronites, as we previously agreed on the name of Jihad Azour."
Geagea mentioned that "Le Drian indicates that there is a serious threat to Lebanon, and the government must take responsibility and implement Resolution 1701 to put an end to Israeli violations," adding, "Those who caused damage to the residents of the south should compensate them," and that anyone who made the decision to launch rockets from the south must be held accountable.
Geagea argued that "it is madness to leave the army's leadership under varying whims, and the simplest solution is to extend the term of the army commander for another year." Le Drian also met with, accompanied by the French ambassador to Lebanon, Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros al-Rahi in Bkerke.
