Lebanon new president receives French leader

French President Emmanuel Macron embarked on a twelve-hour visit to Lebanon, just eight days after Michel Aoun was elected as a president, ending a two-year political deadlock caused by power struggles and divisions.

The French presidency expressed support for Aoun, emphasizing efforts to “consolidate Lebanon’s sovereignty” and “maintain its unity”.

In one of his initial actions as president, Aoun appointed Nawaf Salam, a prominent diplomat and head of the International Court of Justice, to form Lebanon’s new government.

Salam’s designation as Prime Minister is seen as a diplomatic victory for France, which backed his nomination.

However, the move has reportedly sparked tensions with Hezbollah and its allies.

The Shiite group’s influence in Lebanon has waned in recent months following setbacks during last autumn’s war with Israel, including the loss of its leader, Hassan Nasrallah.

It remains unclear if Macron will meet Salam during his visit.

Macron’s trip coincides with UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ arrival in Beirut on Thursday evening.

Africanews/Patience Ameh