Sarraf Meets French Counterpart, Highlights Army’s Needs, Refugee Crisis

Caretaker Defense Minister Yacoub Sarraf held talks on his third and final day in France with his French counterpart Florence Parly, the National News Agency reported on Thursday.

Discussions focused on the donation and loans pledged by France at the Rome II Conference to assist Lebanon’s armed forces, and tackled their implementation in accordance with the Lebanese army’s needs in weapons, military equipment and training programs, NNA added.

Discussions also touched on bilateral relations and means of bolstering them.

Sarraf underline the negative impact of the displacement of Syrians on Lebanon’s infrastructure and economic sector.

He stressed the "right of refugees to safely return to Syria," calling on the international community to "help Lebanon achieve such a return."

Sarraf affirmed “Lebanon's commitment to international resolutions, especially UN resolution 1701, and the ongoing cooperation between the Lebanese Army and UNIFIL forces," pointing out that "Israel continues to violate Lebanese sovereignty."

For her part, Barley underscored her country's keenness to stand by Lebanon and support its institutions, highlighting the role of the Lebanese Army in maintaining stability and security.