The International Conference to Support Lebanon initiated by France’s President Emmanuel Macron began today in Paris with Morocco being represented by Fouad Yazough, the Director-General of Bilateral Relations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, according to MAP.
The brings together Lebanon’s partner states, the United Nations, the European Union, international and regional organizations, and civil society groups to mobilize the international community to address Lebanon’s emergency protection and relief needs and to determine ways to support the country’s institutions, particularly the Lebanese Armed Forces.
During the opening session, President Macron called for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon so that the Lebanese people can regain control of their destiny.
“The war must end as soon as possible,” he said. “There must be a ceasefire in Lebanon.” Macron announced that France would send Euro 100 million aid package to Lebanon.
Macron also highlighted France’s contribution to equipping the Lebanese army to redeploy to southern Lebanon once a ceasefire is reached.
In a video message, UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged Lebanese leaders to take decisive action to ensure the proper functioning of state institutions in addressing Lebanon’s urgent political and security challenges.
Guterres encouraged international partners to increase their support for Lebanon’s state institutions, including the Lebanese Armed Forces, as a key element in building a safe and peaceful future. Guterres also called for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon.
Earlier, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati had called upon the international community to work together to end the ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.
Mikati said the international community must stand together in supporting efforts to halt the ongoing attacks and impose an immediate ceasefire.
He cited UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which in its current form, he said, remains the “cornerstone” for stability and security in southern Lebanon. Mikati said that “full and immediate” implementation of the Resolution would preserve Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and ensure security along its southern border, allowing displaced communities to return to their regions.