We were scheduled to meet with Emmanuel Bonne, President Macron’s diplomatic advisor, but he was called away at the last minute, as he often is. Instead, we got deep background briefings from two of his expert collaborators, Anne Claire Legendre, MENA advisor, and Bertrand Buchwalter, advisor on continental Europe, Ukraine and Russia.
They spoke in turn, each giving a succinct presentation ofcurrent international issues, particularly in view of the dramatic changes driven by the US, and then answering members’ questions.
Ms Legendre began with Israel and Gaza and French diplomacy since 7 October 2023. She outlined French efforts to help bring about a permanent and sustainable ceasefire and find long-term solutions for the security and governance of Gaza.
She went on to discuss Lebanon and the challenges it faces – reconstruction and restoration of sovereignty – and finally, she reviewed the situation in Syria and France’s support for the country’s transition.
Mr Buchwalter focused on Ukraine, describing France’s push for lasting peace backed by security guarantees, and the search for a joint strategy in Europe.
A few of the topics evoked in the Q&A: would Prime Minister Netanyahu still be arrested if he set foot on French soil, giventhe International Criminal Court’s warrant against him, as President Macron once said; what is happening with Daesh in Syria; how is President Macron dealing with Donald Trump andhis improbable ideas, e.g. the Gaza Riviera; what is the current status of the dialogue between Ukraine and the US; and what will eventually happen to the Russian assets frozen by France.