“There is a diplomatic way,” says Emmanuel Macron in a speech to the Lebanese
Emmanuel Macron addressed the Lebanese directly on Thursday evening in a video posted on social media, assuring them that “The diplomatic path exists” and so? “War is not inevitable”.
“Nobody is interested in climbing”the French president declared, following the deadly explosions of Hezbollah’s transmission devices, which the pro-Iranian movement attributes to Israel. “Nothing, no regional adventure, no private interest, no loyalty to any cause is worth triggering a conflict in Lebanon”he added, assuring that France was “sides” Lebanese.
Emmanuel Macron spoke on Thursday by telephone with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Nabih Berri, and the Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces, Joseph Aoun, as well as with Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu.
In his video he pays tribute to “Civilian victims of this week’s attacks”. “As long as your country continues to overcome challenges, Lebanon cannot live in fear of an imminent war. And I tell you very clearly, as I told everyone, we must reject this inevitability.”He insisted, believing that it is up to the Lebanese political leaders “also act in this sense”.
“More than ever, you need a president who can take the lead in the face of the threats that weigh on you.”he added, while Lebanese leaders have been unable to name one for months. “I know that in times of confusion and pain, hope is a rare commodity. In this confusion and pain, France is at your side.”he concluded.
