Lebanese Foreign Minister Defends Framework Agreement as Basis for Negotiations with Israel

Lebanese Foreign Minister Yusuf Reji responded to an invitation from the group of Francophone ambassadors accredited to Lebanon (GAF) for a working lunch, where he reviewed the challenges facing Lebanon and the opportunities available. During the meeting, Minister Reji provided a detailed explanation of Lebanon’s situation in light of recent political developments, particularly the framework agreement signed between Lebanon and Israel under American auspices.

The current president of the group, Moroccan Ambassador Mohamed Krain, welcomed Minister Reji at the start of the meeting, affirming the strong support of the Francophone ambassadors’ group for Lebanon and all decisions taken by the Lebanese government aimed at extending state sovereignty over the entire national territory. On behalf of the group’s ambassadors, he stressed that their countries will spare no effort to enhance and strengthen bilateral relations with Lebanon.

Minister Reji expressed gratitude to the Francophone ambassadors’ group for their invitation and underscored his personal interest in Francophonie, which he described as more than a language—rather, a culture, civilization, value system, and an integral part of Lebanon’s identity.

Reji outlined the events that led Lebanon to the direct negotiation table with Israel, affirming that after what is termed “the resistance” engaged in the Gaza and Iran support wars—which resulted only in occupation, destruction, and casualties—the state had no option but negotiations as the sole means to save Lebanon and halt the firing. He stated, “The President and the Prime Minister were compelled to enter negotiations; we had no other choice, and we did what was best to save Lebanon.”

He expressed surprise at Hezbollah’s rejection of the negotiations and their outcomes, considering that the party seeks to continue the conflict despite the catastrophic consequences for Lebanon, the south, and its people, serving Iranian interests. Reji viewed Hezbollah as still in complete denial, not in control of its own decisions, with Tehran determining its political and military choices.

Regarding the framework agreement, Reji clarified that what was signed is not a final agreement but serves as a base and foundation from which to continue negotiations on the 14 remaining clauses that still require resolution and discussion. He highlighted the importance of this framework in affirming Lebanon’s independent decision-making and separating the Lebanese track from that of Islamabad, emphasizing that the Lebanese state negotiates on its own behalf and that no one negotiates in its name. He asserted, “We absolutely reject anyone negotiating on our behalf or being part of a process imposed on us from outside.”

Reji reiterated that the disarmament of Hezbollah is a Lebanese demand and an urgent necessity for establishing a normal and strong state, which cannot exist alongside an armed militia parallel to the legitimate security forces. He emphasized that the Lebanese army possesses all the capabilities to carry out this task. He concluded by stating, “All Lebanese, without exception, have grown weary of the reckless adventures of this armed group, which has proven it disregards Lebanon’s interests and shows no consideration for the suffering of its people.”