Macron at Paris Meeting: Regional Powers Should Not Interfere in Lebanon

Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, urged all regional powers to refrain from interfering in Lebanon's internal affairs. According to Reuters, during an international meeting on Lebanon on Friday, December 8, he also called for Lebanese parties and groups to agree to avoid regional disputes. Representatives of the 'International Support Group for Lebanon,' including five members of the Security Council, participated in the meeting to discuss establishing stability in Lebanon. Macron stated, 'For Lebanon to remain safe from regional crises, it is essential that all Lebanese parties and regional actors respect the principle of non-interference.' He added, 'Today's meeting should demonstrate the international community's desire for effective policy of distancing (from regional disputes) by all in this country.' The French President also called for mobilizing the international community to ensure lasting peace in Lebanon's future. He noted that countries should increase their support for greater security in Lebanon while also providing humanitarian and economic assistance to the country. Macron emphasized that regional issues will not be resolved unilaterally or through force. He mentioned that the existing political plurality in Lebanon serves as a model for creating balance in the Middle East. Reuters reported that diplomats indicated Iran and Saudi Arabia would be asked to refrain from 'interference' in Lebanon's internal affairs during the meeting. Additionally, Hezbollah was also requested to cease its cross-border activities. Hezbollah, which is supported by Iran, is fighting alongside Syrian government forces, Iran, and Russia against Assad's opposition groups and entities such as Al-Nusra Front and ISIS. This approach by Hezbollah contradicts Lebanon's policy of 'distancing' from regional disputes. However, Hezbollah claims that without intervention in Syria, ISIS would reach Beirut. The unexpected resignation of Saad Hariri in Riyadh on November 4 triggered a political crisis in Lebanon. Lebanese officials and Hariri's party members previously stated that Hariri was under house arrest in Riyadh and was forced by the Saudis to read his resignation on Al-Arabiya television. Saudi Arabia denied the allegations of house arrest and coercion. After returning to Lebanon, Hariri suspended his resignation and ultimately withdrew it on November 14. Michel Aoun, the President of Lebanon, stated he would not accept Hariri's resignation until he returned to the country. Lebanese parties and Hezbollah had previously called for Hariri's return to Lebanon. In his resignation letter, Hariri stated he resigned out of fear for his life and accused Iran of interfering in Lebanon's affairs. His father, Rafik Hariri, was killed in a massive bomb explosion in 2005. At that time, Hezbollah was accused of the assassination, an allegation the group denied. Michel Aoun had called for the Security Council and the European Union to intervene, considering Hariri a 'hostage' in Saudi Arabia. Hariri returned to Lebanon after two weeks, traveling from Saudi Arabia to Paris and then to Lebanon. According to the agenda, Rex Tillerson, the U.S. Secretary of State, and Saad Hariri, the Prime Minister of Lebanon, will participate in the Paris meeting.