Lebanon – Visit by Jean-Yves Le Drian, the President’s Special Envoy to Lebanon

Jean-Yves Le Drian, the President’s Special Envoy to Lebanon, is visiting Lebanon for the third time, until September 15, as part of his good offices mission, which was launched in July in coordination with the United States, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt.

Building on the relationships fostered during his initial missions, he will meet again with all of the politicians represented in Parliament, who were elected by the Lebanese people and are responsible for electing the Lebanese president.

Given the urgent need to resolve the current political deadlock, he will talk with all the politicians about the projects that the next Lebanese president should prioritize in order to allow a mutually agreed upon solution to emerge in Parliament so as to resolve the institutional power vacuum.

As President Macron and the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs reaffirmed during the Ambassadors’ Conference, France is determined to work toward ensuring the sovereignty and stability of Lebanon, “a country in its own right that France will not abandon.” “Today, there is an urgent need to elect a president, the first step toward restoring political institutions.”

The situation continues to deteriorate; the weakening of state institutions is troubling given that in addition, Lebanon’s central bank no longer has a governor now, there are security tensions, the parliament no longer meets to vote on the laws that are key to the country’s recovery and the prosperity of the Lebanese people, there is hyperinflation and a cash economy, which is undermining the country’s sovereignty, and the country continues to be drained of its lifeblood.

Libya – Storm Daniel (September 12, 2023)

France was deeply saddened to learn of the devastating impact of Storm Daniel, which hit northeastern Libya and has left thousands dead and injured. France extends its condolences to the loved ones of the victims and those who have been injured. France expresses its wholehearted solidarity with the Libyan people at this difficult time.

France stands ready to respond to requests from the Libyan authorities. Resources have been mobilized to provide emergency assistance to the affected populations, in support of Libyan efforts on the ground and in coordination with the United Nations.

Fire at the Consulate of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Paris (September 12, 2023)

The Consulate of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Paris was the target of an arson attack on September 9, 2023.

France strongly condemns this act. In accordance with the Vienna Conventions, France guarantees the protection of all diplomatic personnel and premises on its territory. Measures were taken right away to put out the fire that broke out in the immediate vicinity of the Iranian Embassy. An investigation has been opened and the matter has been brought before the courts.

Niger – Arrest of Stéphane Jullien (September 12, 2023)

France is closely monitoring the situation of Stéphane Jullien, a counsellor for French citizens abroad based in Niger, who was arrested on September 8 by the Nigerien security forces. We call for his immediate release. From day one, our embassy has fully mobilized all its efforts to ensure the consular protection of our fellow citizen.