Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
BEIRUT, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) — Ahead of the planned withdrawal of UN peacekeeping forces from southern Lebanon, President Joseph Aoun on Thursday called on France and other European countries to provide military support to the Lebanese army.
J. Aoun made this appeal during a conversation with Anne-Claire Legendre, political adviser to French President Emmanuel Macron, noting that the army needs more than moral support to carry out its tasks.
"Spiritual support alone is not enough for the Lebanese army to fully fulfill its role. It needs equipment and military mechanisms," J. Aoun was quoted as saying in a statement from his office.
According to the president, after the withdrawal of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which is scheduled to begin in early 2026, responsibility for ensuring security in the south of the country will fall entirely on the Lebanese army.
J. Aoun welcomed European assistance, which could provide a stabilizing presence and operational support. The number of Lebanese troops on the southern border is expected to increase to 10,000 by the end of the year.
A.-K. Legendre, for her part, conveyed Emmanuel Macron's greetings and reaffirmed France's commitment to supporting Lebanon, including reconstruction and military assistance. She promised that France would coordinate its actions with the Lebanese authorities to stabilize the situation in the south of the country.
UNIFIL has been present in southern Lebanon since 1978, supporting the Lebanese government in effectively governing the area. Its mandate expires in December 2026. –0–
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