Paris, June 04 (QNA) – French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu called on European countries to contribute to supporting security and stability in Lebanon, amid concerns about a security vacuum following the expiration of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mandate at the end of this year.

In a speech before the French National Assembly today, Lecornu affirmed that his country is proposing a new plan that includes military means and an alternative mandate mechanism, enabling the formation of a buffer force to contribute to maintaining stability in southern Lebanon and preventing any security vacuum.

He added that the French proposal involves forming a force of between 2,000 and 5,500 personnel, to be coordinated with European partners. He called on European countries to play a greater role on the ground and participate directly in security efforts in Lebanon.

He also pledged to double or triple humanitarian aid to Lebanon in the coming weeks, calling on Israel to “end this war and end its illegal occupation.” (QNA)