​The President asserted that achieving reforms is essential for the advancement of Lebanon.

President Aoun requested French and European assistance in recovering abroad-smuggled funds.

President Aoun: 'I will continue to exert efforts to form the government, despite all obstacles and lack of response by those concerned in following constitutional principles, which are adopted in forming governments'.

President of the Republic, General Michel Aoun, met French Foreign Minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, today at Baabda Palace.

The President asserted that the implementation of reforms which constitute the forensic audit, which is the first clause of the French initiative, announced last September 1^st, is essential for the advancement of Lebanon and restoring confidence of the Lebanese and international community.

'There is also a top priority to form a new government which enjoys Parliament confidence' the President said.

President Aoun also indicated that he will continue to exert efforts to reach practical results in this context, despite all international and external obstacles, in addition to the lack of response of those concerned by following constitutional principles and the adopted methodology in forming governments.

Then, the President briefed the French Foreign Minister on the stages of the government formation process, and explained the constitutional responsibilities entrusted to the President of the Republic under the trustworthy constitution, in addition to the President's responsibility to maintain political and sectarian balance in forming governments to ensure that governments gain Parliament confidence. The President also stressed the cost of lost time in completing the government-formation process.

In addition, the President asked Minister Le Drian for the help of France, in particular, and European countries, in general, in recovering abroad-smuggled funds, asserting that this would help achieve reforms and prosecute those who misused public or European funds which were provided to Lebanon, or those who wasted funds through corruption or laundering, according to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption.

Finally, President Aoun conveyed his greetings to his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, thanking his constant interest in Lebanon and his eagerness to assist this country in all political, social, health and educational fields'.​

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