Exclusive – Le Drian in Beirut… French Support Depends on U.S. Green Light (Amin Al-Qoussayfi)
The visit of French Presidential Envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian to Beirut comes at a critical time, especially with recent developments in the south, escalating tensions, and the ongoing issues surrounding the implementation of Resolution 1701 and the ceasefire agreement. Additionally, the eastern and northern Lebanese-Syrian borders have witnessed heightened tensions, raising concerns about renewed skirmishes. While the matter is now in the hands of Lebanese and Syrian officials, discussions have begun on ways to establish stability along the borders. However, the Syrian side has requested to postpone the meeting scheduled for yesterday with Defense Minister General Michel Manssah and the accompanying delegation in Damascus to a later date to discuss the issue.
Le Drian’s visit to Beirut carries significant political and diplomatic implications. According to informed political sources, he is bringing with him a set of additional files related to demands concerning Lebanon’s political and economic future. His visit comes at a critical time as Lebanon faces multiple crises, including economic hardship, security challenges, post-war reconstruction efforts, and discussions on aid and its conditions.
The same sources told the Lebanese Forces website that Le Drian discussed with President Joseph Aoun the agenda for Aoun’s upcoming visit to France tomorrow, Friday, as well as the necessary elements for a successful visit that would enhance bilateral cooperation between the two countries. The sources pointed out that great hopes are pinned on Aoun’s visit to France, especially after the positive reactions it has received in Lebanese circles since its announcement. It is expected to be an important international appearance for President Aoun. Notably, France has consistently expressed its support for Lebanon’s stability, and Le Drian reaffirmed this commitment amid Lebanon’s political, security, and economic challenges.
The discussions between Le Drian and Lebanese officials also touched on the international conference that France intends to hold to rally support and aid for Lebanon. This will be a key topic in the meeting between Presidents Aoun and Emmanuel Macron in Paris. However, it is well known that international support for Lebanon is contingent upon meeting certain conditions.
Diplomatic sources told the Lebanese Forces website that Le Drian’s visit to Beirut is not separate from broader diplomatic efforts concerning Lebanon. France is coordinating with various international stakeholders monitoring the Lebanese situation. It is important to note that France is a key member of the International Monitoring Committee overseeing the implementation of Resolution 1701 and the ceasefire agreement, under the leadership of U.S. General Jasper Jeffers. It is widely acknowledged that reconstruction aid cannot advance without progress on implementing the agreement, as well as enacting and enforcing essential reforms in various sectors—including the judiciary, electricity, banking sector, public administration transparency, and anti-corruption measures—which are fundamental prerequisites for any international or Arab support Lebanon might seek.
Regarding the reconstruction and international aid file, sources indicate that this issue will be a major topic in the Macron-Aoun meeting in Paris, as part of the international support conference France intends to host. However, the success of this conference hinges on several key factors, particularly Lebanon’s reaffirmation of its sovereignty over its territory, the full implementation of Resolution 1701, and resolving the issue of illegal arms by ensuring that weapons are solely in the hands of the state.
Furthermore, the same sources emphasize that Lebanon must fully commit to necessary reforms that should be implemented practically rather than merely announced as intentions. Lebanon now has a golden opportunity with the election of a president and the formation of a complete government. Any hesitation or lack of seriousness in this regard could undermine the chances of success for the French support conference and Lebanon’s ability to attract international and Arab aid.
Diplomatic sources remain cautious in providing any indication that Le Drian brought specific reassurances or optimism about the success of French efforts to rally support for Lebanon. They declined to explicitly state whether there is a U.S. green light or an Arab contribution. However, they noted that full support for Lebanon is unlikely without meeting the required conditions—whether from the U.S., Arab countries, or others—especially concerning reconstruction aid. This support is contingent on Lebanon’s commitment to state sovereignty, the monopoly of arms under state control, and the disarmament of armed groups, most notably “the party,” which remains a major challenge to achieving true sovereignty in Lebanon.
In this context, sources stress that Le Drian’s visit to Beirut comes at a critical time for Lebanon, with pressing issues that require urgent solutions. France hopes for a genuine Lebanese commitment to implementing the necessary measures, primarily asserting state sovereignty over all its territory, disarming militias, and passing economic and financial reforms. These steps would open the door to obtaining international and Arab support, as many countries have repeatedly expressed their willingness to assist Lebanon. However, while many rely on French support, the success of French efforts depends on meeting these conditions—with a clear U.S. and Arab endorsement.
Exclusif – Le Drian à Beyrouth… Le soutien français conditionné au feu vert américain (Amin Al-Qoussayfi)
La visite de l’émissaire présidentiel français Jean-Yves Le Drian à Beyrouth intervient à un moment critique, notamment avec les récents développements dans le sud, l’escalade des tensions et les questions en suspens concernant la mise en œuvre de la résolution 1701 et l’accord de cessez-le-feu. De plus, la frontière libano-syrienne, à l’est et au nord, a connu une montée de tensions, suscitant des craintes de nouvelles escarmouches. Bien que la question soit désormais entre les mains des responsables libanais et syriens, des discussions ont commencé pour établir la stabilité aux frontières. Cependant, la partie syrienne a demandé de reporter à une date ultérieure la réunion prévue hier avec le ministre de la Défense, le général Michel Manssah, et la délégation accompagnante à Damas afin de discuter de cette question.
La visite de Le Drian à Beyrouth revêt une grande importance politique et diplomatique. Selon des sources politiques bien informées, il apporte avec lui un ensemble de dossiers supplémentaires liés aux demandes concernant l’avenir politique et économique du Liban. Sa visite survient alors que le Liban traverse de multiples crises, notamment une crise économique, des défis sécuritaires, les efforts de reconstruction post-conflit et les discussions sur l’aide internationale et ses conditions.
Les mêmes sources indiquent au site des Forces libanaises que Le Drian a discuté avec le président Joseph Aoun de l’ordre du jour de sa visite prévue en France demain, vendredi, ainsi que des éléments nécessaires pour assurer son succès et renforcer la coopération bilatérale entre les deux pays. Elles soulignent que cette visite en France est porteuse de grands espoirs, notamment après l’accueil positif qu’elle a reçu au Liban. Elle représentera sans aucun doute une vitrine internationale importante pour le président Aoun.
Les discussions entre Le Drian et les responsables libanais ont également porté sur la conférence internationale que la France envisage d’organiser pour mobiliser un soutien au Liban. Cette conférence sera au cœur des discussions entre les présidents Aoun et Emmanuel Macron à Paris. Cependant, il est bien connu que l’aide internationale est soumise à certaines conditions.
Les sources diplomatiques précisent que la visite de Le Drian s’inscrit dans un cadre diplomatique plus large impliquant une coordination avec plusieurs acteurs internationaux. La France, membre clé du comité de surveillance chargé de la mise en œuvre de la résolution 1701, sait que l’aide à la reconstruction ne pourra avancer sans progrès sur ce dossier ainsi que sur les réformes essentielles dans plusieurs secteurs.
Quant au succès potentiel de la conférence de soutien, il dépendra de l’affirmation de la souveraineté libanaise, du contrôle exclusif des armes par l’État et des réformes nécessaires. En l’absence de ces conditions et d’un feu vert américain et arabe, toute aide substantielle reste incertaine.