Lebanese president holds talks with French FM

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot in Beirut on Saturday to discuss security in southern Lebanon ahead of the UN peacekeeping force (UNIFIL) mandate expiration.

President Aoun asked for French and international help to avoid a security gap in southern Lebanon if UNIFIL withdraws at the end of December 2026. He expressed support for a multinational coalition or alternative international arrangement to back the Lebanese Armed Forces.

Minister Barrot reaffirmed France's commitment to Lebanon's sovereignty and full implementation of the June framework agreement and UN Security Resolution 1701.