Macron says 'diplomatic path exists' in Lebanon
French President Emmanuel Macron said that a "diplomatic path exists" in Lebanon, where fears of an all-out war between Hezbollah and Israel spiked after deadly explosions of hand-held devices.
War is "not inevitable" and "nothing, no regional adventure, no private interest, no loyalty to any cause merits triggering a conflict in Lebanon," Macron said in a video to the Lebanese people posted on social media.
Macron had earlier expressed “deepest concern” that the unprecedented bombings in Lebanon, which detonated hundreds of pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah, will contribute to “a dangerous escalation of tensions in the region,” according to a statement from the French presidency.
Macron’s comments come after the French leader, who aims to keep France as an important diplomatic player in Lebanon, spoke on the phone with the country’s top political and military officials.
The French president urged them to “act responsibly in order to avoid an escalation.” He also asked them to “send messages of restraint to all Lebanese parties, starting with Hezbollah,” the statement added.
Macron will speak about the dangers of an escalation with the Israeli prime minister, the statement also said, adding that “all parties must act to avoid war.”
Source: Agence France Presse, Associated Press
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