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The President of the Republic, Joseph Aoun, and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, in Baabda, Jan. 17, 2025. (Credit: Mohammad Yassine/L’Orient-Le Jour) Add as preferred on Google A “quintet” … without France? Paris did not sign the joint statement issued Thursday by the “Friends of Lebanon.” In it, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and Japan called for a “quick and transparent” investigation into the Hezbollah explosives case involving materials seized at Dahr al-Baidar, after Lebanon’s decision-makers opted not to refer the case to the Court of Justice following threats from Hezbollah. The statement also reminded Beirut of its commitments to establishing a state monopoly on arms. In theory, these are objectives France shares with the signatory countries. But Paris, like other European capitals, appears to have preferred to tread carefully.Officially, the French Embassy in Beirut declined to comment on the controversy. But some observers see little doubt about the reason for... You have reached your article limit.Stay informed as events unfold across a region in flux.Subscribe for $0.5/month for the first 3 months. Subscribe now Log in This article is only available to L’Orient Today subscribers. Subscribe now Log in Create a free account to continue reading this article. You’ll also receive The Morning Brief, our must-read daily digest of Middle East news. Opt out anytime Email Address Password Email Address Password I would like to receive special offers from L'Orient Today as well as selections of the best articles. Register By creating an account, you agree to the terms and conditions of use and our privacy policy. Register Or register with: Facebook
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