While there was no new development on the presidential election front yesterday, on the volatile southern front, Lebanon received the modified French paper regarding the implementation of UN Resolution 1701 through the French embassy. Meanwhile, French Foreign Minister Stéphane Sigurhini was in Tel Aviv, meeting with Israeli Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz, who stated: "If Hezbollah does not withdraw from the border, we are approaching total war."
Informed sources told "Al-Jumhuriya" that the preliminary reading of the modified French document showed it took some Lebanese comments into account while ignoring others. It is currently under review and a coordinated response is being prepared between Speaker of the House Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Najib Mikati, which will be submitted to the French side within the coming hours.
The French Foreign Minister met with Israeli Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz in Tel Aviv after arriving from Riyadh. He had visited Lebanon last Sunday as part of a Middle Eastern tour aimed at halting the Israeli war on Gaza and de-escalating tensions at the border with Lebanon. Sigurhini stated after the meeting that he reaffirmed their position on releasing prisoners, a ceasefire (in Gaza), and reducing escalations in Lebanon. He added that they shared with Israel proposals that were presented to Lebanon to ease tensions with Hezbollah, emphasizing that the foundation of the proposals for Lebanon and Israel is to ensure the implementation of Resolution 1701.
The Al-Hadath channel reported a French diplomatic source saying that the French paper for calming the situation in Lebanon includes a ceasefire in a first phase and the return of displaced persons in the second phase. It was also noted that Katz informed Sigurhini that if Hezbollah does not withdraw, a security buffer zone controlled by Israel will be established. He added, “If Hezbollah does not withdraw, Israel will act against it throughout Lebanon," warning that if Hezbollah does not withdraw from the border, we are approaching a total war.
Two days ahead of the visit of Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to Lebanon tomorrow to discuss the Syrian displaced persons file, this issue remained a major focus of official and political efforts. Yesterday, it was the subject of a discussion in a ministerial meeting at the Grand Serail, as well as between Prime Minister Najib Mikati and the Secretary-General of the Lebanese-Syrian Higher Council Nasri Khoury, who is currently in Beirut.
Khoury clarified to "Al-Jumhuriya" that the meeting with Prime Minister Mikati covered all common issues between Lebanon and Syria. He noted that a general discussion took place, presenting some ideas regarding the return of the displaced persons. We await what Lebanon can achieve in results with European Union countries to facilitate the return of Syrian displaced persons, along with the necessary steps from them to support them in their country. Meanwhile, Syria has taken all possible steps and is welcoming those who wish to return, ready to receive them, contrary to what is being circulated. However, it seems that the problem lies with the European and American sides, which are unwilling for their return.
In response to a question about the economic factor delaying the return of the displaced persons, Khoury stated that the economic situation in Syria is difficult due to the blockade and the Western sanctions imposed on the state and its people, and not for any other reason. He added that when the blockade and sanctions are lifted, the situation will certainly change.
Regarding the issue of border control to prevent the infiltration of displaced persons, Khoury indicated that measures are required from both Lebanon and Syria, but the capabilities of the two countries are limited to control the vast borders. When asked if there were preparations for any Lebanese minister or official to visit Syria soon, Khoury replied that there is currently nothing planned, according to "Al-Jumhuriya."
