French Chief of Staff: Support for the Lebanese Army is Key to National Stability

The French embassy distributed a joint statement from the Chief of Staff of the French Armed Forces, General Thierry Burkhard, Lebanese Army Commander Joseph Aoun, and Italian Chief of Defense Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone. It stated: "On April 19, General Thierry Burkhard hosted his counterparts, Lebanese Army Commander Joseph Aoun and Italian Chief of Defense Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone. Following a military honors ceremony, the meeting addressed the regional tensions facing Lebanon, reiterating the importance of collective efforts to de-escalate along the Lebanon-Israel border in accordance with Resolution 1701. The essential role of UNIFIL was reaffirmed as a factor for peace and security, protecting civilians in the region and working closely with the Lebanese Army, which is sovereign over all its territories. The support for the Lebanese Army, which ensures national stability, was emphasized, along with France and Italy's commitment to Lebanon's stability and sovereignty, which remains a priority."