Macron Speaks With Aoun on Swiss Talks, Ceasefire, and UNIFIL Role
President of the Republic Joseph Aoun received a phone call from French President Emmanuel Macron, during which they discussed the general situation in Lebanon and the region in light of the outcomes of the US–Iran negotiations held in Switzerland.
The discussion also addressed the situation in the south following the announcement of the ceasefire and the subsequent steps to be taken. President Aoun and President Macron also discussed the outcomes of the G7 summit held last week in the French city of Évian, with President Aoun expressing appreciation for the position adopted by the summit regarding Lebanon.
The two presidents further discussed the period following the end of the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force, UNIFIL, in the south, particularly in light of the desire expressed by several European countries—a position supported by Lebanon—to maintain a presence within the international area of operations. President Macron indicated that he would hold contacts with a number of countries to determine their stance on this proposal, especially as the deadline for UNIFIL’s withdrawal from Lebanon is set to begin at the start of 2027, and it is therefore necessary to establish an appropriate framework for any future international participation.
The two presidents also reviewed Lebanese–Syrian relations and the ongoing coordination between the two countries. President Aoun praised the positions announced by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in his recent televised interview, in which he affirmed Syria’s commitment to Lebanon’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, stressed that Syria does not intend to intervene militarily in Lebanon, and said that any Syrian role must pass exclusively through the Lebanese state and not through any other parties. He also said that Syria seeks to strengthen Lebanon’s stability and bolster its official institutions, not to replace them.
Presidents Aoun and Macron agreed to maintain ongoing communication to follow up on developments and ongoing efforts aimed at consolidating the ceasefire in Lebanon and extending the authority of the Lebanese state across its entire territory.
President Aoun also thanked his French counterpart for the constant attention and support he has shown toward Lebanon in various fields.
