“We can still avoid a regional war,” says the head of French diplomacy

“We can still avoid a regional war” in the Middle East, says Stéphane Séjourné, French Minister of Foreign Affairs, speaking exclusively to the International Editorial Team of Radio France on Friday, August 16. The head of French diplomacy is expected in Israel and the Palestinian territories, the day after his trip to Lebanon. Stéphane Séjourné believes that “No one today has an interest in war”.

This diplomatic tour therefore aims to call, once again, for de-escalation in the region and to bring a “diplomatic message”After ten months of conflict, the Minister of Foreign Affairs calls for “give diplomacy every chance” which, according to him, must involve “talks on a ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages”. “Discussions are currently underway in Doha”he specifies.

The risk of a military escalation has redoubled following the assassination on July 31 of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and that, on July 30, of Fouad Chokr, military leader of the Lebanese Hezbollah, killed in a strike claimed by Israel near Beirut. Stéphane Séjourné explains that “in the history of conflicts, war has often come about through elements that were not foreseen, or through responses that were poorly organized, poorly executed”. He considers that it is precisely “what to avoid”. “We are afraid of escalatory elements that could lead to a regional war that would be of no interest to us here or in Israel.”he confides.