Macron discusses with Aoun post-UNIFIL European force

President Joseph Aoun received Tuesday a phone call from French President Emmanuel Macron, during which they discussed the general situation in Lebanon and the region in light of the results of the U.S.-Iranian negotiations held in Switzerland.

The discussion also touched on the situation in southern Lebanon following the ceasefire announcement and the subsequent steps, the Presidency said.

Aoun and Macron also discussed the results of the G7 summit held last week in Evian, France, with Aoun expressing his gratitude for the position adopted by the summit regarding Lebanon.

"The two presidents discussed the post-UNIFIL phase, particularly the desire expressed by some European countries, and supported by Lebanon, to maintain a troop presence in the area of ​​operations," the Presidency said.

"President Macron indicated that he would be contacting several countries to determine their position on this matter, especially since UNIFIL's withdrawal from Lebanon is scheduled to begin at the start of 2027, thus necessitating the establishment of a framework for any international participation," it added.

The two presidents alzk discussed Lebanese-Syrian relations and the existing coordination between the two countries.

"Aoun commended the positions announced by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in his recent televised address, in which he affirmed his country's commitment to Lebanon's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, stating that Syria has no intention of military intervention in Lebanon, that any Syrian role will be channeled exclusively through the Lebanese state and not through other parties, and that his country seeks to strengthen Lebanon's stability and its official institutions, not to replace them," the Presidency said.

Moreover, Aoun and Macron agreed to maintain communication to "monitor developments and ongoing efforts to solidify the ceasefire in Lebanon and extend state authority over all its territory."

Aoun also thanked his French counterpart for his continued interest in Lebanon across various fields.