President Aoun and Macron Discuss Post-UNIFIL Phase and Regional Developments

President Joseph Aoun received a phone call from French President Emmanuel Macron, during which they discussed the overall situation in Lebanon and the region in light of the outcomes of the US-Iran negotiations held in Switzerland. Their conversation also addressed the situation in southern Lebanon following the announcement of a ceasefire and the subsequent steps to be taken.

The two presidents reviewed the results of last week's G7 summit held in Évian, France, where President Aoun expressed his gratitude for the stance adopted regarding Lebanon.

They also examined the phase following the conclusion of the mission of the international forces operating in southern Lebanon, known as UNIFIL. This included the interest expressed by several European countries, supported by Lebanon, to maintain forces in the area of international operations. President Macron noted that he would engage in discussions with several countries to determine their positions on this matter, especially since the deadline for UNIFIL's withdrawal from Lebanon begins at the start of 2027. Consequently, an appropriate framework must be established for any international participation.

Regarding Lebanese-Syrian relations and the ongoing coordination between the two countries, President Aoun highlighted the statements made by Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa in his recent television interview. Al-Sharaa affirmed Syria's commitment to Lebanon's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, stating that Syria does not intend to intervene militarily in Lebanon. He emphasized that any Syrian role would be exclusively through the Lebanese state and not via other parties, and that Syria aims to enhance Lebanon's stability and strengthen its official institutions rather than replace them.

President Aoun and President Macron agreed to maintain ongoing communication to monitor developments and current contacts aimed at consolidating the ceasefire in Lebanon and extending state authority across its entire territory.

President Aoun expressed his appreciation to President Macron for the consistent attention he shows to Lebanon across various fields.