French Foreign Minister: Our Support for Lebanon Is Firm and Deep-Rooted

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot hailed the "historic and courageous" vote by the parliament to abolish the death penalty, confirming that Lebanon has now become "the first country in the Middle East to abolish the death penalty."

He wrote on the platform X: "This vote proves that Lebanon, despite the hardships it faces, still maintains a distinctive voice in the region and remains a model to emulate in upholding democratic values and freedoms that form the essence of its existence."

He added: "This was the commitment we made in Paris a month ago during the 9th World Conference against the Death Penalty, and it has been fulfilled today."

He concluded: "Although the path toward peace and reforms remains long, Lebanon and the Lebanese people can count on France's firm and deep-rooted support."