Lebanese sources wondered on Monday whether the birth of a new government in Lebanon would lead to French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Beirut this month, upon an invitation from his Lebanese counterpart Michel Aoun.
Macron had repeatedly informed Lebanese officials that no visit would be scheduled in the absence of a cabinet.
Last week, Hariri announced his 30-member government following nine months of bickering among political forces over shares.
Still, the Presidential Palace in Baabda has not received any response form the Elysee confirming a date for Macron’s official visit or a decision to postpone it.
Sources at the French presidential palace told Asharq Al-Awsat that Macron was currently canceling trips outside France in light of his efforts to address the concerns of the “gilets jaunes” (yellow vests movement) protests.
Circles at the Baabda Palace expected a response from Paris, although no French officials have headed to Beirut recently to prepare for Macron’s visit.
A prominent official advised the Lebanese against making conjectures about the visit because the government has yet to receive parliament’s vote of confidence.
Macron was scheduled to arrive in Lebanon any time between February 11 and 14.
Both Aoun and Prime Minister Saad Hariri place importance on Macron’s visit as it offers a great push for the implementation of the decisions taken at last year’s CEDRE conference that was hosted by Paris, the official said.
Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte is expected in Beirut within 72 hours to visit Italian forces operating in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
He will also seize the opportunity to express to Aoun, Speaker Nabih Berri and Hariri his support for the formation of a government, said an Italian diplomatic source.
