The French Embassy distributed a joint statement by the French Chief of Staff, the Lebanese Army Commander, and the Italian Defense Chief of Staff, which indicated that ‘on April 19, French Chief of Staff Thierry Burkhard received his counterpart, Lebanese Army Commander Joseph Aoun, and Italian Chief of Defense, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone.’

The statement added that their talks centered on the regional tensions facing Lebanon, whereby they reaffirmed the importance of collective action with the aim of stopping the escalation along the border between Lebanon and Israel in accordance with UN Resolution # 1701.

‘UNIFIL’s essential role as an agent of peace, security and protection of civilians in the region was emphasized, in close cooperation with the Lebanese Army, which has control over all its territory,’ the statement went on.

It concluded by stating that ‘support for the Lebanese army, the guarantor of national stability, was emphasized, as well as the commitment of France and Italy to the stability
and sovereignty of Lebanon, which remains a priority.’

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon