Aoun Meets French Envoy, Hopes for Positive Outcome from Hariri Meeting

President Michel Aoun informed French President Emmanuel Macron's envoy, Patrick Durel, during his visit to Baabda on Wednesday that “efforts are still ongoing to form a new government that will prioritize achieving reforms, fighting corruption and proceeding with the forensic audit.”

Aoun also briefed the French presidential envoy about the difficulties and obstacles facing the new government’s formation, expressing hope for “positive signs” in his meeting today, Wednesday, with Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri.

The President reiterated his support for the French initiative, thanking President Macron for his efforts and stressing on “the deep friendship uniting the Lebanese and French peoples.”

“No perpetrator in the (Beirut port) crime will be politically covered,” Aoun assured, remarking that the investigations are ongoing to find the culprits and punish them.

Durel emphasized from his side on France's keenness to continue supporting Lebanon, and stressed the importance of expediting the government formation and starting the reforms advocated by France and the international community.

This meeting was attended by the French Ambassador to Beirut Anne Grillo.