France’s Macron to meet Lebanon PM and its army chief on Friday

BRUSSELS (Reuters) – French President Emmanuel Macron said he will meet Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati and the country’s army chief Joseph Aoun in Paris on Friday to discuss ways to stabilise the country given the current Middle East crisis.

Hezbollah forces based in Lebanon have clashed with the Israeli army in recent weeks, marking their most serious hostilities since a war between them in 2006.

“We need to keep a close eye on the stability of Lebanon,” Macron said on Thursday at the end of a European Union summit, at which EU leaders backed new sanctions on Iran after its attack upon Israel.

“The European Council decided to increase its support for the Lebanese armed forces, and aid will be given to put in place vital steps needed for its economy and so it can deal with Syrian refugees,” added Macron.

“On this matter, I will host Prime Minister Mikati and army chief Aoun in Paris tomorrow to clarify a roadmap on this,” said Macron.