Le Drian in Beirut as France prepares for Lebanon aid conferences

French envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian arrived Thursday in Beirut where he met with Lebanese leaders as France prepares to organize two conferences in support of the Lebanese armed forces and of recovery and reconstruction.

Le Drian met Thursday with President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.

Le Drian told Aoun that he had "encouraging" talks with Saudi officials on supporting Lebanon and that Lebanon's plan to monopolize arms and carry out economic reforms are positive developments that could lead to increased international support.

Lebanon's Cabinet had approved this month a weapons monopolization plan prepared by the army. The plan aims to disarm Hezbollah before the year end.

France welcomed the Lebanese government’s endorsement of the plan, describing the move as "a positive new step."