BEIRUT, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- French presidential envoy to Lebanon Jean-Yves Le Drian on Thursday stressed his country's determination to continue mobilizing international support for Lebanon in a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.

According to a statement released by Lebanon's Presidency, Le Drian said France is pressing ahead with preparations for two international conferences dedicated to Lebanon -- one aimed at strengthening the Lebanese Army and the other focused on reconstruction and economic recovery.

He said that recent measures taken by Beirut, including reforms in banking secrecy, restructuring of financial institutions, and the army's plan to consolidate weapons under state control, could encourage broader external assistance.

For his part, Aoun said that Lebanon is committed to carrying out economic and financial reforms not only because they are demanded internationally but also because they are seen as the only viable path to national recovery.

The Lebanese leader underlined that strengthening the army is as important as reconstruction, arguing that stability and security are prerequisites for rebuilding and growth.

He revealed that the army is implementing a plan to remove armed presence south of the Litani River, but warned that the Israeli occupation of Lebanese territory prevents the Lebanese army's full deployment.

He urged France and the United States to pressure Israel into halting violations of Lebanese sovereignty and complying with international resolutions.

Despite political differences inside Lebanon, Aoun added that the unity of the Lebanese people remains firm. "There is no fear over national cohesion, and no one is working to create a rift regarding fundamental national issues," he noted. ■