French President Emanuel Macron said in an address at the UN General Assembly on Tuesday that “only a fully sovereign Lebanon will be able to disarm Hezbollah and restore security for Lebanon and its neighbours,” while condemning what he described as Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty.
Macron also referred to displaced Lebanese people and said villages in southern Lebanon were being razed.
He called for respect for Lebanese sovereignty as well as Palestinian sovereignty, saying Palestinians’ “most basic rights are being violated.”
“One year ago, in this very chamber, several dozen states recognized Palestine,” he said. Macron questioned the international community’s response to the situation in Gaza, saying: “What is our credibility worth if we remain inactive on Gaza?”
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France’s President Emmanuel Macron speaks during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly at United Nations headquarters, Tuesday. Credit: Seth Wenig/AP
France’s President Emmanuel Macron speaks during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly at United Nations headquarters, Tuesday. Credit: Seth Wenig/AP
He said claims that peace had been achieved had not been matched by an increase in humanitarian deliveries.
Macron also condemned what he described as continuing violations in the West Bank. “Look at what’s happening in the West Bank, where day in and day out we are seeing violations, and in the name of what?” he said. “Hamas has never been active in the West Bank.”
“What we need is respect for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and their right to exist,” Macron said, calling this “a prerequisite for security.”
Macron added that “those who claim that Israel’s security requires the violation of the sovereignty of all of its neighbouring states are making a very fatal error; they are weakening Israel’s security. They are threatening Israel’s security, in fact.”
Macron said France would continue to support the International Criminal Court and called for the free transit of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, saying reopening the strategic waterway was an “utmost priority.”
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