Raji and Barrot Address Key Lebanese Challenges in Paris Talks

Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raji and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot held talks in Paris focused on several pressing matters affecting Lebanon, including the state of current negotiations, strengthening the Lebanese military, and ties with Syria.

Barrot received Raji warmly, commending what he termed the "courageous decisions and positions" adopted by Lebanon's political leadership since the previous summer. The French minister reiterated Paris's unwavering commitment to Lebanon and endorsed Beirut's negotiation strategy, noting that France remains a supporter despite not being a direct participant in the talks.

Raji acknowledged France's constructive involvement and expressed confidence that negotiations in Washington will yield a ceasefire and complete Israeli withdrawal, thereby alleviating the ongoing hardship faced by residents of southern Lebanon.

The Lebanese Foreign Minister emphasized that his country would not permit third parties to represent its interests in negotiations. He also underscored that the decision to confine weapons exclusively to state institutions had been made permanent and final.

Both ministers recognized the critical importance of bolstering the Lebanese armed forces and expanding their operational capacity, viewing military strength as essential to Lebanon's negotiating position. Barrot indicated that France stands prepared to organize an international summit dedicated to supporting the Lebanese military institution, given the strategic significance of this matter.

The discussions extended to the post-UNIFIL period and Lebanese-Syrian relations. The French delegation stressed the urgency of advancing demarcation efforts along the land border shared by Lebanon and Syria, emphasizing how this step would strengthen border security, improve control mechanisms, and curtail smuggling activities.