Latest news with #Anne-ClaireLegendre
L'Orient-Le Jour
3 days ago
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
French-American meeting in Paris to support Lebanon and its army
Iran has drawn its red line in Lebanon: supporting Hezbollah and all its allies, refusing to surrender weapons, while emphasizing a clear watchword — "dialogue and consensus" — to handle this issue. This was the message conveyed during the official meetings of the Iranian envoy on Wednesday in Beirut. But in the political meetings held with forces and groups allied with Tehran, Ali Larijani stated that Iran had not emerged defeated from the war with Israel, that it was working to develop its capabilities and technologies and would seek to provide all the required support in its own way. The question many are asking remains about the modalities of this support, particularly after the fall of the Assad regime and the tightening of pressure on Hezbollah, both militarily and financially. The day after Iran's position was announced, the Lebanese file was on the table for the French and Americans. The fate of UNIFIL France on Thursday hosted a political, diplomatic, and military meeting bringing together French officials, notably Anne-Claire Legendre, who is in charge of the Middle East file, and heads of the French army, alongside American military commanders from the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) and the U.S. envoy for Syria and Lebanon, Tom Barrack, L'Orient-Le Jour learned from diplomatic sources. In practice, the meeting addressed all regional issues, but focused in particular on the Lebanese file, without dissociating it from Syria, given the international perception that Lebanon remains linked to Syria due to their interconnected stakes and the fact that Damascus constitutes both a point of connection with Lebanon and a cut-off point with Hezbollah and its supply routes. The meeting had several goals, the main one being to examine the process of renewing the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). France, which is in charge of preparing the written proposal, is trying to convince the United States to extend UNIFIL's mission, maintain its budget and troop numbers, and broaden its prerogatives and field of action. In Washington, some favor a reduction of the budget and the troop numbers, as well as a shortening of the mandate, while others support a final one-year renewal after which UNIFIL would withdraw from Lebanon. Follow-up of government action Another concern was boosting the work of the cease-fire monitoring committee and holding more frequent meetings to ensure the agreement's implementation, as well as the implementation of the plan by Barrack and adopted by the Lebanese government. Washington appeared ready to grant Paris a greater role in this area. The debate also focuses on Israel's condition: in case of a withdrawal from southern Lebanon, French and American forces, or a multinational force, should be deployed at certain strategic points and hills, with Israel refusing the entry of the Lebanese Army or UNIFIL. The third goal is to accompany the Lebanese government's decision to monopolize weapons in the hands of the state and withdraw those from Hezbollah, by monitoring the implementation plan that the Lebanese Army must establish by the end of the month, as well as how to implement it. Discussions also concern the support Washington could give — including pressure on Israel to stop its strikes and violations — to facilitate the government's work. The expected support for the army must be financial, military and logistical, with ongoing discussions among several capitals to increase their contributions. Barrack's visit The fourth objective deals with American and French coordination on Syria, with Barrack showing keen interest in the success of the new Syrian administration. Washington is relying on Syria to cut all Hezbollah supply lines. France has a historic interest in Syria: it has obtained several investments in the country and hosts meetings between Ahmad al-Sharaa's government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to reach an agreement, and also sponsored a Syrian-Israeli meeting to find a security arrangement in southern Syria. On Monday, Barrack, accompanied by former U.S. envoy Morgan Ortagus, will be back in Beirut. The Lebanese are waiting to see whether this visit will bring political aid to the country or new demands, especially as some voices in Washington and Israel believe that no topic should be discussed until the Lebanese Army begins implementing its plan for the withdrawal of weapons. This plan, still under development, was the focus of discussions during the tour by the army's commander, Rodolphe Haykal, to visit President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. He presented them with the overall military situation, the achievements of the troops so far, its needs to achieve its objectives and how to support it politically by strengthening and providing all necessary human, military, financial, and informational means, as well as the conditions allowing it to continue its deployment to extend the state's sovereignty over the entire territory.
LeMonde
05-06-2025
- Politics
- LeMonde
Macron tries to navigate the maze of recognizing the State of Palestine
Two French envoys quietly arrived in Israel during the night of Monday, June 2. Anne-Claire Legendre, Emmanuel Macron's adviser for North Africa and the Middle East, and Romaric Roignan, director for the same region at the French foreign ministry, were tasked with easing tensions with Benjamin Netanyahu's government. Angered by Macron's criticisms of the ongoing war in Gaza, the Israeli prime minister was also furious that the French president was considering recognizing the State of Palestine at a conference slated for June 18 at the United Nations headquarters in New York. In Israel, such a gesture would be seen as a reward for Hamas, responsible for the October 7 attacks. "We are determined to recognize the State of Palestine," the two French diplomats told the Israeli news outlet Ynet, while emphasizing that the decision would not be "unilateral." "It is not about isolating or condemning Israel, it is about paving the way for an end to the war in Gaza," they added. "Recognition of a Palestinian state remains on the table, but not as a product of the conference. It will remain a bilateral matter between states."
See - Sada Elbalad
24-05-2025
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
French Presidential Adviser Urges Immediate Action to End Gaza War
Nada Mustafa Anne-Claire Legendre, French President's Adviser for Middle East and North African Affairs, has called for immediate action to end the war in the Gaza Strip, ensure the unconditional release of all hostages, and facilitate full humanitarian access. During the preparatory meeting for the upcoming high-level international conference on a peaceful settlement to the Palestinian issue, scheduled to take place in New York this June, Legendre emphasized the urgent need to prioritize a political solution. She warned that settlement expansion, settler violence, and efforts to weaken the Palestinian Authority are all undermining the two-state solution. The French adviser urged the international community to take irreversible steps toward achieving the two-state solution, reaffirming France's strong and unwavering commitment to this goal. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies
Zawya
16-04-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Minister of Health engages in high-level bilateral meetings in Paris to strengthen healthcare collaboration
Paris, France - His Excellency the Minister of Health, Mr. Fahd bin Abdulrahman AlJalajel, held a series of high-level bilateral meetings in Paris during his official visit to the French Republic, aimed at advancing cooperation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and France in the healthcare sector. As part of his engagements, His Excellency met at the Élysée Palace with Ms. Anne-Claire Legendre, Advisor to the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron. The discussions focused on enhancing the strategic partnership between the two nations in the healthcare domain, with particular emphasis on the development of healthcare systems, fostering medical innovation, and promoting the exchange of expertise and best practices. His Excellency also held a bilateral meeting with Ms. Marina Ferrari, Minister of State for Digital Affairs and Artificial Intelligence. The dialogue explored opportunities for collaboration in artificial intelligence technologies and their applications within the healthcare sector, aiming to improve the quality of care and increase the efficiency of health services. During his visit, Minister AlJalajel also met with a group of Saudi students studying in Paris. He commended their academic excellence and their significant role in representing the Kingdom at international scientific forums. He emphasized the importance of their contributions to the future of the healthcare sector through knowledge, research, and innovation. Accompanying His Excellency at these meetings were the newly appointed Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to France, Mr. Fahd bin Maayouf Al-Ruwaili, along with senior health officials from the Ministry of Health, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, the Saudi Red Crescent Authority, the Public Health Authority, the Virtual Health Hospital, the Ministerial Committee on Health in All Policies, the Health Holding Company, and other key representatives.
