I hope that the January 9 session will allow the beginning of a new era for Lebanon

He continued: A year ago, I extended my congratulations to you shortly after I assumed my duties, in a heavy atmosphere that later turned out to be a prelude to the terrible period that Lebanon went through in the last three months of the year. This war brought grief and destruction to the country, which was suffering under the weight of a multifaceted crisis between the paralysis of institutions and a stifling economic crisis.

Magro added: In these difficult moments, France remained alongside Lebanon, its sovereignty and its people by making intense diplomatic efforts, which, along with other countries friendly to Lebanon, allowed the cessation of hostilities on all territories as it reached the approval of a ceasefire agreement. France’s commitment also became clear last October 24 through organizing the international conference in support of the people of Lebanon and their sovereignty, and then through its participation in the monitoring mechanism charged with supervising the proper implementation of the ceasefire agreement.

He explained: This agreement, like Resolution 1701 issued by the United Nations Security Council, constitutes the cornerstone of our efforts for stability and the safety of the peoples of the region, especially the residents of southern Lebanon, who also stand by their side, every day, the women and men who make up many… UNIFIL forces, including 700 French Blue Berets. I would like here to salute them and express once again my pride and gratitude for their sacrifices in the service of peace in the most difficult moments. I particularly mention Corporal Fanny Claudine, who was the victim of a tragic accident during one of the missions.

He continued: Throughout this period, France remained committed to political stability through the mission of the President of the Republic’s personal envoy for Lebanon, Jean-Yves Le Drian. In addition, with my counterparts, members of the Five-Year Committee, we also worked to persuade Lebanese political officials to elect a President of the Republic who would bring together the Lebanese and be able to lead Lebanon by working closely with a fully empowered government and the House of Representatives, with the aim of carrying out the necessary reforms and putting the country back on the path to prosperity in this region. The world is witnessing structural changes that we hope will be positive for the future of its people. I can only hope that the January 9 session will allow the beginning of a new era for Lebanon.

He added: My dear Lebanese friends, my dear compatriots, during the past year, I got to know you better and saw again the strength you possess to overcome with courage and determination the adversities you face with great dignity. Your vitality and your commitment to the vision of a peaceful and stable Lebanon will always enjoy our support with the work team at the embassy, ​​and I particularly mention our colleagues in the branches of the French Institute and in the Lycée schools, especially in the south, who faced the situation in a commendable manner.

He concluded: My dear Lebanese friends, my dear compatriots, I offer you my best wishes for the year 2025, and I assure you that we will spare no effort to work together so that Lebanon and its people can regain the future they deserve. Long live the Republic, long live France, and long live the friendship between France and Lebanon. I wish you a year of hope and happiness.