France Endorses Lebanon's 'Historic' Decision for State Monopoly on Weapons
France welcomes Lebanon's "historic" move for a state monopoly on weapons, pledging support alongside its partners. Paris calls on Lebanese actors to respect the decision and on Israel to fully comply with the ceasefire.
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – France has officially thrown its support behind a landmark decision by the Lebanese government to establish a state monopoly on weapons, describing the move as "historic and courageous" and a critical step toward national sovereignty, according to a formal statement released by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
The ministry's statement welcomed the Lebanese government's resolution to "move towards a state monopoly on weapons according to a specific timeline and plan." Paris characterized the development as a "strong signal of the Lebanese authorities' determination to make Lebanon a sovereign, rebuilt, and prosperous country."
According to the French Foreign Ministry, this decision is fundamental to guaranteeing Lebanon's "territorial integrity within agreed-upon borders with its neighbors, and at peace with them."
In its official communication, France committed to backing Beirut in this endeavor. "France, along with its European, American, and regional partners, will continue to stand by the Lebanese authorities in implementing their commitments," the statement affirmed. Paris detailed several key areas where its support will be concentrated.
This support will manifest through France's participation in a ceasefire monitoring mechanism conducted jointly with the United States, a mechanism that the ministry noted "must be strengthened." Furthermore, France pledged its continued support for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and reaffirmed its engagement within the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
The statement from Paris placed particular emphasis on the role of the UN peacekeeping mission, describing UNIFIL's mandate as having a "crucial role to play in stabilizing Southern Lebanon." The ministry also highlighted UNIFIL's importance in "supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces in the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701."
Concluding its formal declaration, the French government issued direct appeals to both internal and external actors involved in the region's complex dynamics. Paris called on "all Lebanese actors to respect the decision taken sovereignly and legitimately by the Lebanese government." It stressed that "Lebanon's cohesion and stability must be resolutely preserved to allow it to approach the next steps calmly."
Finally, the ministry directed a message to Israel, stating, "France calls on Israel to fully respect the commitments made under the ceasefire of November 26, 2024." This call underscores the French position that adherence to prior agreements is essential for regional stability as Lebanon embarks on this significant internal reform.
