French envoy in Lebanon amid Israel-Hezbollah tension, presidential void
French presidential special envoy for Lebanon Jean-Yves Le Drian is on his fourth visit to Beirut this year.
BEIRUT — French presidential special envoy for Lebanon Jean-Yves Le Drian began a visit to Beirut on Wednesday as part of France’s efforts to fill the presidential void, now in its second year, and amid growing concerns of a second front erupting with Israel on southern border.
During talks with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Le Drian urged Lebanese political leaders to reach a consensus on a presidential candidate and expedite the presidential elections.
The French envoy later met with Lebanese army commander Joseph Aoun and parliament speaker Nabih Berri.
Le Drian has visited Beirut four times this year, with previous trips in June, July and September, as France strives to break the presidential impasse. The small Mediterranean country, a former French protectorate, has been without a successor to President Michel Aoun since his term ended in October 2022 due to deep political divisions that have hindered the election of a new president.
