Lebanese Foreign Minister Raji Calls Diplomacy the Only Solution in French Senate Meeting

Yusuf Raji, Lebanon's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, held a meeting with Gérard Larcher, President of the French Senate, at the Senate headquarters in Paris. The meeting was attended by Christine Lavarde, Chair of the Lebanese-French Friendship Committee, and Rabih Chaer, Lebanon's Ambassador to France.

The discussion focused on recent developments in the field and diplomacy, particularly regarding the ongoing direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel. They also addressed the longstanding relations between the two countries and France's consistent role in supporting Lebanon.

Larcher welcomed Minister Raji and emphasized the depth of the relationship between Lebanon and France. He stated that Lebanon's fate should not be determined by Pakistan or Iran, while condemning Israel's prevention of Lebanese citizens from returning to their villages in the south. He underscored the importance of consolidating the ceasefire and supporting the Lebanese army to enable it to extend state authority across all territories.

Minister Raji affirmed that Lebanon has courageously chosen direct negotiations, firmly believing that diplomacy is the sole path out of the crisis. He expressed gratitude to the French Senate President for his continuous support of Lebanon.

Raji also raised the issue of Syrian refugees, highlighting the severe economic and social burdens Lebanon bears as a result. He called on France and the European Union to actively contribute to facilitating the refugees' return to their homeland and to provide assistance within Syria once the reasons for their displacement have been resolved.

The meeting further touched upon the post-mandate phase of the UNIFIL forces. The minister noted that several ideas are currently under discussion with partners and friendly countries, although a final formula has yet to be established.

At the conclusion of his visit, Minister Raji inscribed a message in the Senate’s golden register, describing the Senate as a bastion of democracy and republican debate. He praised the deep historical friendship between Lebanon and France and the shared values of freedom, dialogue, and humanity that unite the two peoples.