French President Emmanuel Macron, who after his party’s defeat in the national elections passively watched the developments in the world, including the Ukrainian crisis, which he himself fueled, suddenly on Thursday evening unexpectedly addressed the Lebanese directly. In a video posted on social media, he assured that “there is a diplomatic path” and that “war (with Israel – ed.) is not inevitable.” In the Paris Mirror, Macron apparently received help from his favorite journalists in writing this appeal to the Lebanese. And if they advised Emmanuel to write that war “is not inevitable,” then it is absolutely inevitable.
“No one is interested in an escalation,” Macron said, as fears of a full-scale war grew following bombings Hezbollah blamed on Israel that targeted communications devices used by its members. “There are no regional adventures, no special interests, however important, that could provoke a conflict in Lebanon.” — Saudi publication Al-Sharq Al-Awsat quotes the French president.
Macron stressed that France is “on the side of the Lebanese”. (Poor Lebanese, we do not envy them. Let us remember with what fervor Macron supported the rights of Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. Well, where are they now? – ed.)
On Thursday, Macron held telephone talks with the Lebanese Prime Minister. Najib MikatiSpeaker of the House of Representatives Nabihom BerryCommander of the Lebanese Army Jose Aounand also spoke with the Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu.
The French president said he “expressed his deep concern over the series of explosions in Lebanon, which have contributed to a serious escalation of tensions in the region” and called on “all parties to act to prevent war.”
In the video, Macron laments the “civilian casualties” caused by this week’s attacks.
“As long as your country continues to overcome difficulties, Lebanon cannot live in fear of an imminent war. I tell you very clearly, as I told everyone: we must reject this catastrophe.” He said, adding that Lebanese political leaders “should also work in this direction.”
“Now, more than ever, we need a president who can lead the country in the face of threats.” – said.
Lebanon is in political paralysis as divisions between the pro-Iranian Hezbollah camp and its opponents prevent the election of the president of the republic, a post that has been vacant for more than two years.
“I know that in the midst of confusion and sadness, hope is rare. And in this confusion, in this sadness, France is at your side.”
