Hollande Stresses Support for Lebanon’s Stability: Ready to Meet Mikati

Local Editor

French President Francois Hollande pledged during a short visit to Beirut Sunday to protect Lebanon in face of destabilization threats.

In a joint press conference with his Lebanese counterpart Michel Suleiman, Hollande stressed: "Because Lebanon should be capable of preserving its unity, stability and safety, France will spare no effort to guarantee Lebanon's independence, sovereignty and unity."

"I want to remind again those who may have any interest in destabilizing Lebanon that France will strongly and with all its strength oppose this," he said. "Lebanon constitutes an example of unity. It has recently gone through many difficulties and it must be protected."
Referring to fears of a spillover of the conflict in Syria into Lebanon, Hollande said: "We are committed in this critical time in which Syria is in a state of war to give all guarantees for Lebanon's security and stability."
In parallel, the French president confirmed that despite its proximity to Syria, Lebanon should not be the victim of the turmoil next door.
"Everything should be done to protect it. This is France's stance," he said.
On another level, Hollande highlighted that his country's participation in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, UNIFIL and its military support for the Lebanese Army to protect the border are part of Paris' efforts in ensuring peace in this region.

"France is ready to continue its support for the Lebanese security forces, namely the Lebanese Army, and supply them with arms and equipment to help them protect democracy, civil peace and fight terrorism," he mentioned.
For his part, the Lebanese President said he agreed with his French counterpart on the need for dialogue and commitment by all parties in Lebanon to the Baabda Declaration that has been supported by the Security Council and all Arab countries to preserve Lebanon against the repercussions of the regional conflicts.

Suleiman also expressed hope that the Syrian people would reach reform and democracy away from violence and foreign military intervention.
Moreover, the Lebanese President announced he briefed Hollande on his ongoing consultations with rival parties to find a solution "to end the state of tension and anxiety arising from former head of Information Branch Wissam al-Hassan's assassination."

"We ask everyone to overcome this incident and work together via dialogue and cooperation to prevent similar incidents and guarantee the country's unity, especially in these circumstances through which the region is passing, particularly the turmoil and bloody and violent incidents in Syria," Suleiman told the joint news conference with Hollande.
Later, the French president later arrived in the Saudi city of Jeddah, where he held talks with Saudi King Abdullah on the crisis in Syria and the international standoff on Iran's nuclear program.

During a news conference in Jeddah, Hollande highlighted the need for parliamentary elections to be held on time in Lebanon.
He also said he would meet with Prime Minister Najib Mikati if the latter visits France.
"Difficult circumstances produce reactionary popular stances but we should be aware that such reactions will only lead to negative results," he added.
Hollande, who arrived at Beirut airport around 8 am for a three-hour visit, was welcomed by Suleiman at Baabda Palace, where the national anthems of the two countries were played during an official reception. The two leaders met privately before formal talks between the two sides continued at a working breakfast.


Source: News Agencies, Edited by moqawama.org