MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –
The Head of State chaired a National Defense and Security Council on the situation in Lebanon and recent developments in the Middle East crisis, on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at the Elysée Palace, in the presence of the Prime Minister, the Minister of the Interior, the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the Minister of the Armed Forces.
Faced with the dangerous escalation of tensions in the Middle East, the President of the Republic reaffirmed France’s commitment to peace and security for all in the region. In this regard, he condemned in the strongest possible terms Iran’s new attacks against Israel. Committed to Israel’s security, France today mobilized its military resources in the Middle East to counter the Iranian threat. The Head of State also reiterated France’s demand that Hezbollah cease its terrorist actions against Israel and its population.
The President of the Republic also expressed France’s willingness to act for Lebanon. He called for Israel to end its military operations as soon as possible. He considered that too many civilians are already victims. He hoped that Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity would be restored in strict compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. In this regard, he reaffirmed France’s commitment to UNIFIL. He noted that it is also up to the Lebanese to come together at this critical moment. France will stand alongside all those who act in this direction and will very soon organize a conference in support of the Lebanese people and their institutions.
The President of the Republic reiterated his determination to obtain a long-term settlement that ensures the security of the populations on both sides of the Blue Line. The displaced must be able to return home in complete safety, in Israel as well as in Lebanon. The United Nations Security Council must be notified and be able to express its views on the current situation.
The President of the Republic has instructed the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs to travel to the Middle East again. There he will consult with all those who have a role to play in initiating de-escalation and finding lasting solutions to the current crisis in all its aspects, particularly the situation in Lebanon and Gaza.
Attentive to the security and protection of our compatriots in Lebanon and the Middle East, the Head of State requested that all necessary measures be taken to assist them and, if necessary, help them. He also requested that the greatest vigilance be observed and that adequate measures be taken to prevent the possible repercussions of these latest developments in the Middle East on the national territory and ensure the security of everyone.
The President of the Republic concluded that it was necessary for all actors involved in the crisis in the Middle East to exercise the greatest restraint.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.