PARIS, April 21 (Reuters) - French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday France will help Lebanese authorities prepare negotiations with Israel even if Paris was not directly part of the discussions.

Speaking at a news conference alongside Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Macron said it was "secondary" for France to be sitting at the table of negotiations as it was in Lebanon's interest that everyone helps it in the negotiations.

France, which has deep historical ties with Lebanon, has sought to play a role in the talks, but has met resistance from both Israel and the United States.

(Reporting by John Irish, Dominique Vidalon)