President Joseph Aoun welcomed French efforts within the United Nations and the Security Council to reach a formula consistent with the Lebanese desire to prevent any security vacuum. Aoun confirmed, while receiving a French ministerial delegation headed by the Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noel Barrot, that the Lebanese military delegation will participate in the tripartite meeting in Tampa on October 20, to present Lebanese demands to stop the Israeli escalation, in the hope of achieving results consistent with the framework agreement. He pointed out that the French positions express the depth of the deep-rooted historical relations between Lebanon and France, expressing his hope that the French presence will continue for the benefit of the two friendly countries. Aoun stressed that Israel continues its attacks on southern villages and towns, in addition to bulldozing, destroying homes, and preventing farmers from reaching their lands, noting that it did not adhere to the provisions of the framework agreement reached under American auspices. He pointed out that the continued occupation and tension in the south prevent the Lebanese army from being able to deploy to the southern international border, in implementation of Resolution 1701. He added that Lebanon desires an extension for the international forces or their continuation of performing their security duties during the year 2027, which is the year specified for their withdrawal. He welcomed, if this is not possible, any formula that guarantees an international presence in the south and prevents a security vacuum or the Lebanese army being brought into contact with the Israeli army in the occupied territories. Aoun explained that the army and other security forces are implementing the government’s decisions related to extending state authority, preventing armed demonstrations, and confiscating weapons and ammunition, pointing out that violators are referred to the judiciary, which is responsible for implementing the laws and decisions of the political authority. For his part, French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot affirmed France's steadfast support for Lebanon's sovereignty, stability and security, stressing his country's commitment to working towards the full implementation of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement concluded on June 26, 2026, and UN Security Council Resolution No. 1701. Barrow stressed the necessity of establishing a new international structure to support Lebanon’s sovereignty and support the redeployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces, and to avoid the emergence of a security vacuum that could have serious consequences, stressing France’s readiness to play its full role in this framework.