Paris, Beirut assess impact of Swiss negotiations on Lebanon

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam held a telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss the outcome of his recent visit to Paris, as well as ongoing diplomatic efforts affecting Lebanon and the wider region.

According to a statement from the Lebanese prime minister’s office, the two leaders reviewed the results of Salam’s trip to the French capital and exchanged views on negotiations that recently began in Switzerland.

The discussions also focused on the potential implications of the Swiss talks for both the region and Lebanon.

In addition, Salam and Macron addressed efforts to secure the conditions necessary for organizing two international conferences: one aimed at supporting the Lebanese Army and security forces, and another dedicated to Lebanon’s reconstruction and recovery.

The conversation came as diplomatic activity surrounding Lebanon continues to intensify. The fifth round of direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, taking place in Washington from June 23 to June 25, with Lebanese authorities seeking to strengthen their role in overseeing the ceasefire process and reassert state sovereignty amid ongoing challenges posed by both Hezbollah and Israel.

According to available figures, Israeli military operations in Lebanon since March 2 have resulted in more than 4,100 deaths, the majority of them civilians. The Israeli military has reported that 36 of its soldiers have been killed during the same period.

By Vafa Guliyeva