Paris, SANA – French President Emmanuel Macron has stressed that Israel’s complete withdrawal from southern Lebanon and an end to all violations of Lebanese sovereignty are essential preconditions for implementing Lebanon’s plan to ensure weapons remain solely in the hands of the state.
In a post on X, Macron welcomed the UN Security Council’s decision to extend the mandate of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) until 2027. He emphasized the urgency of Israel withdrawing from Lebanese border points it still occupies.
The French President described the Lebanese government’s recent decisions to restore the state’s monopoly over arms as “courageous,” urging Beirut to formally adopt the forthcoming plan during its next meeting.
Macron further revealed that he had informed Lebanese President Joseph Aoun of France’s intention to host two conferences on Lebanon before the end of 2025: one to support the Lebanese Armed Forces, and another focused on the country’s economic recovery and reconstruction.
Earlier this month, the Lebanese government approved a landmark decision to restrict all weapons to state authority, tasking the army with preparing a practical plan to enforce it.
