French FM claims key role in Lebanon ceasefire talks

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has said that France’s involvement was crucial in securing a ceasefire framework in Lebanon and enabling dialogue between Israel and Lebanon, arguing that negotiations would not have progressed without French diplomacy.

Speaking in an interview with Franceinfo, Barrot highlighted Paris’s role in stabilising the situation in the region and facilitating diplomatic engagement.

“Without France’s involvement in the peace process in Lebanon, a ceasefire agreement would likely not have been reached and negotiations between Israel and Lebanon would not have begun,” Barrot said.

His comments came in response to remarks made by Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter, who, after the first round of talks in Washington, said:

“We like to keep the French as far away as possible from pretty much everything, but particularly when it comes to peace negotiations.”

Barrot also addressed recent violence involving French peacekeepers serving in the UNIFIL mission in southern Lebanon, condemning the incident in strong terms.

He described the killing of French soldiers as a “war crime” and attributed responsibility to “Hezbollah.”

The exchange of statements comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts led by the United States to de-escalate tensions between Israel and Lebanon. According to reports, the next round of talks is scheduled to take place on April 23 in Washington, with continued international mediation expected to play a central role in the negotiations.

By Sabina Mammadli