Army Support Conference Delayed Due to French-Western Disputes

The planned conference in France, aimed at supporting the Lebanese Army, set for February 27, has been indefinitely delayed. Reports from Al-Akhbar newspaper attribute the postponement to disagreements between France, other European countries, and the United States. These disputes arise amidst ongoing conflict and uncertainty regarding a political resolution.

Diplomatic sources revealed to the newspaper that France’s eagerness to spearhead this initiative led to premature announcements and invitations, causing confusion among European and Western partners. The move by France, seen as an attempt to claim leadership on this issue, was not well-received, given the current context of ambiguity surrounding the Lebanese Army’s role and its needs amid the Gaza conflict’s ongoing developments.

Consequently, France was advised to delay the conference until a clearer picture emerges, potentially within the next couple of weeks, regarding the situation in Gaza and its implications.