The visit of French presidential envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian to Lebanon is capturing attention. After meeting with President Walid Jumblatt in Klemensou and the caretaker Prime Minister at the Grand Serail, the French envoy is expected to continue his tour to meet other officials and parliamentary blocs.
Le Drian's initial visit in Lebanon was to Klemensou, and this meeting is part of crucial discussions held by leaders of the countries concerned with the Lebanese file along with Jumblatt, based on his realistic perspective on the reasons behind the problems and the solutions, as well as his realistic reading of the situation in Lebanon and the region.
Le Drian's visit was not anticipated at this time, as there are no new initiatives or prospects for solutions regarding the situation in the south or the presidential election. However, the visit was scheduled before the French-American summit between Presidents Emmanuel Macron and Joe Biden.
Consequently, the purpose of this visit is to gather information rather than to open avenues for solutions. For this reason, Le Drian will meet with Lebanese officials without bringing any initiative or methods for resolution.
Former MP Ali Darwish points out that "the meeting between Le Drian and Mikati reviewed the Lebanese reality, focusing on the issues in the south, the Syrian refugee crisis, the Brussels Conference, and the internal economic and social crises, in addition to the presidential elections."
In an interview with the electronic newspaper "Al-Anbaa," Darwish highlighted the Biden-Macron summit, stating that "Le Drian might be tasked with presenting a report on the Lebanese reality prior to the summit, and it is likely that the Lebanese file will be addressed due to the refugee crisis that concerns Europe and the situation in the south. These two topics should be among the summit's priorities."
According to Darwish, the aim of the visit is to provide a general assessment of the Lebanese situation and describe the reality, and it is unlikely that any solutions to the crises will be presented.
On the international level, a "historical" action was taken by European countries, notably Norway, Spain, and Ireland, by recognizing the State of Palestine, which has drawn widespread Israeli outrage. This action constitutes a step in the long journey towards recognizing Palestine as a fully fledged state enjoying all rights.
Thus, in conclusion, solutions still remain absent from Lebanon and the region. Le Drian's visit will not go beyond evaluating the reality, especially as there are no developments suggesting that a breakthrough is near. More difficult days may lie ahead for Lebanon, necessitating, now more than ever, strengthening the internal Lebanese position according to the electronic newspaper "Al-Anbaa."
