Lebanese Foreign Minister Emphasizes State-Led Negotiations and Ceasefire Priority

Lebanese Foreign Minister Yusuf Raji attended a hearing convened by the French Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, accompanied by Lebanon’s ambassador to France, Rabih Chaer. During the session, he provided a detailed overview of Lebanon's current situation and the economic and social repercussions of the ongoing war.

The committee's president, Deputy Bruno Fuchs, opened the session by welcoming Minister Raji. He described the minister's presence as a valuable opportunity to gain insight into Lebanon’s reality, which he characterized as being hostage to a complex regional crisis. Fuchs emphasized the deep historical ties between France and Lebanon and noted that Lebanon is facing a war it did not choose, amid mutual ceasefire violations by both Israel and Hezbollah.

Minister Raji expressed gratitude for the invitation and affirmed that Lebanon is enduring extremely difficult circumstances due to a war imposed on it in service of external agendas unrelated to its interests. He expressed satisfaction with the current political leadership, noting that for the first time in many years, both the president and the prime minister exhibit boldness and decisiveness. He described the current government as potentially the most competent in a long time, placing the cessation of hostilities at the top of its priorities.

Raji underscored that ongoing negotiations are managed exclusively by the Lebanese state and serve Lebanon’s interests alone. He considered the diplomatic track the only effective option after military approaches failed to provide any sustainable solution.

Responding to deputies' questions, Raji asserted that Hezbollah’s armed presence has lost its justification and utility, and that the Lebanese state is determined to monopolize arms and extend its sovereignty over the entire national territory. He called for active French political support for Lebanon in United Nations forums and European Union institutions. Additionally, he urged continued support for the Lebanese army and the provision of humanitarian aid to displaced persons from southern villages, enabling them to live with dignity until they can return to their lands, alongside support for those remaining in their villages. Regarding the post-UNIFIL phase, Raji stressed the necessity of establishing an internationally backed monitoring mission, noting that the final format remains under consultation and discussion.

In their interventions, French deputies affirmed that France will remain committed to its obligations toward Lebanon. They stated that a genuine resolution can only be achieved through supporting the Lebanese army, disarming Hezbollah, and ending the Israeli occupation. They also warned about the risks of Israeli military expansion deeper into Lebanese territory.