France to host international conference on Lebanon in Paris on Oct. 24

France's Foreign Ministry announced Wednesday that an international conference on Lebanon, convened by President Emmanuel Macron, will be held in Paris on Oct. 24.

The conference aims to rally the global community to support the Lebanese people and the country’s institutions.

In a statement, the ministry said, "This ministerial conference will gather Lebanon's partner countries, the United Nations, the European Union, international and regional organizations, and civil society."

The ministry said the event seeks to "mobilize the international community to meet the urgent protection and relief needs of the Lebanese people and determine ways to support Lebanese institutions, particularly the Lebanese Armed Forces, which ensure internal stability."

During a Senate session on Wednesday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot urged Lebanon’s political leaders to "take responsibility and put the country back on the right track." Barrot emphasized that for Lebanon to maintain unity and stability, "it must have a president."

Barrot also warned that if the ongoing conflict in the region escalates into a broader war, "it will affect all of us, every French man and woman."

He outlined potential consequences of such a conflict, including rising gas prices, increased terrorism threats, and migration issues. While these impacts are already being felt, Barrot noted they are currently "partial."

France is working through diplomatic channels to halt the fighting, ease suffering, and help Lebanon regain its territorial integrity and sovereignty, Barrot said.