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French FM to Asharq Al-Awsat: We Are Working with Saudi Arabia to Support Regional Stability

French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna (EPA)
French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna (EPA)
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French FM to Asharq Al-Awsat: We Are Working with Saudi Arabia to Support Regional Stability

French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna (EPA)
French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna (EPA)

French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna said in remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat on Thursday that strengthening France’s relations with both Saudi Arabia and the UAE can be considered as a way to respond to chronic and escalating instability in the Middle East.

The minister pointed to Iran adopting systemic escalation in a crisis-ridden Middle East. She said that Tehran does so by pressing onwards with destabilizing nuclear, ballistic, and drone programs and using proxies abroad.

In addition to suppressing Iranians at home, the regime in Iran continues to threaten other countries in the region. It is also participating in Russia’s war on Ukraine.

Colonna confirmed that France is “determined to stand” in the face of these threats, and that it will remain “faithful to its obligations towards the security of its partners” in the Gulf region.

In her interview, the minister affirmed that her country is “seeking to strengthen cooperation with Saudi Arabia in order to find solutions to regional crises.”

Colonna said that the region can “rely on Saudi Arabia and the UAE as the poles of stability in the region.”

She stressed that “Paris wants to strengthen relations with Riyadh in all fields, and that it supports Saudi Arabia’s national transformation plan, dubbed “Kingdom Vision 2030.”

Colonna, who is visiting the Gulf region for the first time, said that she is carrying a “simple message,” that countries of this part of the world can count on France in the face of chronic and growing instability that has become a reality in the region.

“Strengthening relations with our partners in the Gulf region, particularly Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, is a way to confront this reality,” said Colonna.

The French minister recalled the untold devastation brought about by Russia’s war on Ukraine and said that the world’s nations must adhere to “common principles of the UN Charter in this regard.”

“These principles stipulate that no country has the right to invade a neighboring country, and this principle applies in Europe, the Middle East and throughout the world,” she stated.

“In fact, the Middle East is suffering from crises as well, and the region is primarily facing the escalation that Iran is deliberately leading by carrying out destabilizing activities,” added Colonna.

The top diplomat said that several flashpoints exacerbate the risks of a more difficult situation arising in the Middle East.

She pointed to escalation of violence in Israel and the Palestinian territories, the continuing political vacuum in Lebanon, instability in Yemen and the volatility of the situation there without a cease-fire agreement.

Additionally, there is the failure in Syria.

“France fulfills its commitment to support and secure its partners in the Gulf region and is ready to strengthen cooperation with Saudi Arabia in order to resolve regional crises and combat the hotbeds of instability in the region,” reiterated Colonna.

Colonna urged mobilizing all efforts to promote dialogue.

“We must seize all opportunities in order to limit the areas of conflict,” she explained.

Highlighting that cooperation among the countries of the region has great potential, Colonna said: “We must urge cooperation in this troubled region in order to achieve the interests of all in general, and for the sake of the peoples of the region in particular.”

The minister emphasized that Saudi Arabia and the UAE represent stability in the region.

She affirmed that Paris has already “embarked on a solid partnership with Saudi Arabia.”

“We want to strengthen all aspects of this partnership in the fields of economy, energy and culture,” added Colonna.

She asserted that France supports Kingdom Vision 2030, which was put forward by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

“We seek enhancing support for the Kingdom in the economic and social transformation projects that it undertakes and the transition it leads in the field of energy,” said Colonna.

Moreover, the minister revealed that she will soon be meeting with the newly appointed Gulf Cooperation Council secretary-general.

“The GCC proves the region’s ability to overcome differences in the pursuit of unity and contributing to peace. This is of paramount importance in the period of turmoil the region is facing,” said Colonna.

When asked about Iran’s behavior in the region, Colonna said: “We and our partners persevere in seeking a diplomatic solution to the current situation. We call on Iran to implement all its international obligations.”

“We remain determined to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons,” she asserted.

“Unfortunately, however, our sources of concern are not limited to the nuclear issue. Iran threatens its regional environment and seeks to destabilize it,” added Colonna.

The minister explained that Iran operates directly in its neighboring countries through proxies that pursue its interests.

“Such destabilizing activities are on the rise,” said Colonna.

Affirming that Paris is determined to confront Iran about its illicit activities, Colonna said: “We are communicating closely with our international and regional partners in order to address the situation by focusing on the transfer of remote drones and missiles carried out by Iran in violation of Resolution 2231 of the UN Security Council.”

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UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)

One of the UN’s top humanitarian officials in Lebanon, Imran Riza, has warned that the situation will worsen if the conflict continues, calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

He stressed that the ongoing war is placing immense strain on both the UN and the Lebanese government, as over a million people have been displaced. He said current needs exceed $400 million, but only 12% of that amount has been raised so far.

Worsening Crisis

Riza, who is the UN Deputy Special Coordinator for Lebanon, UN Resident, and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat. He described the past two weeks as “catastrophic” for civilians, with the crisis growing over the last year.

More than 600,000 people have been displaced and over a million affected, with 300,000 crossing the border, according to Riza.

Many of these people have been displaced more than once in search of safety. Riza emphasized that the war has severely impacted civilians, with more than a quarter of Lebanon's population affected.

The UN has been working to address the crisis, but Riza said resources are limited.

He stressed that the UN has been saying all year that it doesn’t have enough funds, even when there were only 110,000 displaced people.

Last week, the UN launched a $426 million appeal for urgent humanitarian aid, with 12% of the funding already secured.

Riza said more support is expected, with donor countries pledging additional help.

He also expressed gratitude for contributions from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which provided medical and relief supplies, and said the UN hopes to see more international assistance soon.

Working with the Government

The UN is working closely with the Lebanese government every day to provide shelter, food, healthcare, and water to those in need.

Cooperation with the government has been excellent, said Riza.

However, he acknowledged that the government’s capacity is weakened after five years of ongoing crises, which have also severely impacted the population.

People are less resilient than they were during the 2006 war, and the government and its institutions are weaker, affirmed Riza.

The UN is helping the government respond effectively, ensuring transparency and accountability, so that aid reaches those who need it, he added.

The UN is also collaborating with local and international NGOs that have gained experience from Lebanon’s recent crises, helping to ensure a more effective response. Shelters are also being monitored to prevent any abuse.

A Different Reality from 2006

The current situation in Lebanon is very different from the 2006 war. Politically, the country now has a caretaker government and no president, with much less international presence.

Back then, other countries were more involved, said Riza.

The 2006 war lasted only 33 days, but this conflict has dragged on for a year, he noted.

During recent visits to southern border areas, Riza said locals were asking when the war would end, as the situation has worsened significantly in the past two weeks.

Riza noted that, in the first week of the crisis, it was extremely difficult to respond, and even now, many displaced people remain without shelter.

The UN is working with the government to provide shelter, food, and healthcare, but it’s not easy, he noted.

Displacement Crisis

With winter approaching, Riza stressed the need to properly house displaced people, saying that people can’t be left without shelter.

There are also concerns over a lack of housing, clean water, and sanitation, as well as the risk of disease outbreaks. Despite these challenges, Riza praised the close cooperation between the UN, international organizations, and partners.

Many agencies are responding, he asserted.

Riza rejected any claims of discrimination between displaced groups, noting that both Lebanese and Syrians are currently staying in UNRWA schools. He added that talks with the government about sheltering displaced Syrians have been positive.

Riza also expressed concern about the school year and children’s education.

Prolonged Conflict

The United Nations sees no immediate solution to the humanitarian and military crisis in Lebanon, with Riza stressing that the solution must be political and diplomatic, but first, a ceasefire is needed.

While there is little optimism for an end to the conflict, Riza said, the UN is encouraged by the support from its partners, which helps the organization assist the displaced.

He mentioned the recent evacuation of 1,000 people from Ain Ebel and aid distribution in Tyre, emphasizing the need to ensure that they reach those in need.

Riza called on all sides to respect international and humanitarian laws, allowing safe access for aid workers.

He condemned violations, including the deaths of firefighters, health workers, civil defense staff, and UN personnel, adding that the toll on civilian and health infrastructure is growing.