War in the Middle East: Emmanuel Macron demands that the truth be revealed about the death of two…

French President Emmanuel Macron, currently in Cyprus for the European Union leaders summit, addressed the deaths of two soldiers from the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon after they were ambushed on Saturday. He called for “full transparency on this attack” and for the perpetrators to be held accountable.

During his speech in Cyprus on Thursday, Macron denounced the “unacceptable” attack that resulted in the deaths of the soldiers after they were ambushed in southern Lebanon. The President specified that the attack was likely carried out by Hezbollah.

“Authors Must Be Arrested”

After offering his “sincere condolences” to the families of soldiers Florian Montorio and Anicet Girardin, Macron emphasized the importance of the Lebanese authorities conducting a thorough investigation and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

The two soldiers succumbed to their injuries after being ambushed in southern Lebanon. Florian Montorio was “hit by direct fire from a light weapon,” stated Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin during the national tribute on Thursday.

Anicet Girardin, the second soldier who died in the operation, passed away from his injuries on Wednesday, April 22. He was injured while “providing assistance to his fallen commander,” according to the minister.

“It’s Time to Help Lebanon”

Standing alongside the Cypriot president, Macron stressed the importance of supporting Lebanon in achieving lasting peace that respects the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and disarms Hezbollah. To this end, he confirmed France’s readiness to “organize a conference to support and mobilize efforts to assist Lebanon in reclaiming its sovereignty.”

“We will hold this conference, which will aim to support the Lebanese armed forces and contribute to the reconstruction of southern Lebanon,” he added.

Moreover, Macron highlighted the opportunity to leverage European funding and expressed support, alongside the Cypriot president, for a partnership agreement between the EU and Lebanon in this context.