France Regrets Lebanon Misses Deadline to Form New Govt

On Wednesday, the French presidency expressed its "regret" for the lack of commitment by Lebanese politicians during President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Beirut to form a government "within 15 days."

An official in the French presidency told Reuters:`` France deplores the failure of Lebanese political leaders to fulfill the pledges they made to President Macron in September 2020.

However, the French official added, "It is not too late. Everyone must assume his/her responsibilities and ultimately act in the interest of Lebanon alone, by giving Mustafa Adeeb the opportunity to form a government that suits the seriousness of the situation."

Lebanese President Michel Aoun assigned Mustafa Adib to form the new Lebanese government, after the resignation of Hassan Diab's government, which submitted its resignation this August.

Diab's government resigned following the huge explosion that rocked the Beirut port last August, leaving dozens dead, hundreds injured and thousands homeless, in addition to the destruction of neighborhoods in the capital, Beirut.

The French President visited Lebanon in September, on his second visit to that country, since the explosion that rocked the port of Beirut.

Macron arrived in Lebanon on the eve of a busy day devoted to "pursuing reconstruction aid" and discussing political issues, at a time when a new government must be formed in Lebanon.

Macron was the first foreign official to visit Beirut in August, two days after the huge explosion in the Lebanese capital's port.