France will host a meeting this month with King Abdullah II of Jordan before a conference in support of the Lebanese army, a senior French official said on Friday.The aim is to help Lebanese security forces disarm Hezbollah. The Iran-backed militia is refusing to lay down its weapons amid hostilities with Israel, which occupies about seven per cent of Lebanese territory.“A new initiative is being launched under the Aqaba Process, under the auspices of the King of Jordan. I hope it will take place in Paris on September 17,” said French President Emmanuel Macron's special envoy for Lebanon, Jean-Yves Le Drian.“Strengthening the army is crucial. You cannot ask the army to ensure Hezbollah gives up its weapons if it lacks the means to command respect,” Mr Le Drian added. He was speaking during a panel on Lebanon at an event in France's capital promoting French diplomacy and organised by the Foreign Ministry. The Aqaba process is an initiative launched in 2015 by King Abdullah II to enhance regional military and security co-operation. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is expected to attend the Paris meeting as well as US and Saudi representatives, according to media reports.Support frameworkFrance had initially planned a conference to support the Lebanese army in March but was forced to push it back that has yet to be confirmed after the Iran war began in late February.A former colonia...
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