French Presidential Source: Paris Supports STL Outcome

In an interview with An-Nahar Lebanese newspaper, a French Presidential source noted that French President Nicolas Sarkouzy held a series of meetings with different Lebanese officials of which the latest was that with Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri.

Sarkouzy had met with Lebanese President Michel Suleiman, House Speaker Nabih Berri, and Head of the Free Patriotic Movement Gen. Michel Aoun. Paris awaits other Lebanese officials to hold discussions on the situation in Lebanon among which is head of the Phalanges party Amine Jemayel, noted the source. 

Moreover, the source clarified that "President Sarkouzy reiterated on Wednesday France's stance on Lebanon- the same stance he declared to the Lebanese officials earlier. Sarkouzy, the source reported, called for the unity of the Lebanese people, and reiterated France's support to the legitimate government headed by PM Hariri. 

He also reiterated France's support to the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL). In the same context, the source pointed out that "the talks dealt with bilateral relations between the two countries, describing these relations as excellent, stressing that "France's stance is very clear." 

Also, the source elaborated "since France supports the Lebanese government's institutions and the STL, it is normal that we support the outcome of the tribunal."