Reports: Le Drian to visit Beirut, may propose dialogue in Paris
Paris has a serious intention to dispatch its presidential envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian to Lebanon at the end of the current month, several sources have said.
While in Lebanon, Le Drian will meet with the ambassadors of the countries of the five-nation group for Lebanon to discuss the outcome of their meetings with the heads of the Lebanese parties and blocs, al-Akhbar newspaper reported on Thursday.
Le Drian will also meet with senior officials, topped by Speaker Nabih Berri and caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, the daily added.
“There are ideas that have been discussed with the French side, including the Elysee’s sending of invitations to hold a dialogue conference in Paris that would gather the Lebanese political forces in order to discuss the presidential file, in a new attempt to find exits that would allow for a breakthrough in this file,” al-Akhbar reported.
The French, however, have been advised by Lebanese sides not to make such a step in the current period due to “the deep political rift that might lead to thwarting the initiative and harming France’s image and role,” the daily quoted informed sources as saying.
“And as Paris insists on dispatching Le Drian despite the lack of any positive indications about a possible breakthrough in the presidential file, the presidential envoy has been quoted as saying that French-Saudi coordination is behind the step,” al-Akhbar added.
23 May 2024, 16:24
02
Dear Mr. Le Drian: Does France accept a criminal militia on its territory armed, indoctrinated and funded by a foreign nation? Wasn’t Vichy collaborators imprisoned/executed after liberation? So why is France imposing a foreign armed militia and Vichy government on Lebanon? After every occupation there is liberation, even in Lebanon… We will fight and defeat Iran's Foreign legion in Lebanon to restore freedom and democracy for the future of our children. France helped Americans gain independence from England. Why wouldn’t France help Lebanon regain independence and full sovereignty? No other African or Asian country has deeper genuine and historic connections to France than Lebanon!
23 May 2024, 17:26
01
The Frenchise were humiliated and kicked out of several west African countries yet we here in Lebanon still give them any relevance on the world stage. They are nothing. Stop calling them Um al Hanoon. They are anything but that.
They are after their interests with the Mullah in Iran, hence they never put any pressure on them.
I have been saying this forever and some politician would read this, nothing will ever change until the Mullahs are forced to change or their role is curtailed in influence in Lebanon. Full stop.
