France to support Lebanon against US-Israeli pressure, report says
France is reportedly preparing a new diplomatic initiative aimed at consolidating a ceasefire reached in late November between Lebanon and Israel, and supporting Lebanon as Israel and the U.S. pressure the war-hit country into direct negotiations.
Kuwait's al-Jarida newspaper claimed Monday that France's special envoy to Lebanon Jean-Yves Le Drian will visit Lebanon soon to discuss the reconstruction and support the country as Washington seeks to form three committees to negotiate sticking points between Lebanon and Israel -- including the release of Lebanese prisoners, the remaining disputed points along the Blue Line, and the remaining 5 points where Israeli forces are still deployed.
"Lebanon has agreed on a military-technical committee and is awaiting support from France," al-Jarida said, adding that Israel is seeking to intensify its military pressure on Lebanon to gain concessions and push Lebanon into negotiations.
In other words what France is doing, or at least trying to do, is to prevent direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel, in order that it can continue its controlling interests in the country.