Paris Rejects Syrian Suggestion to Find Substitute for Suleiman

France has reiterated its backing for a three-point Arab League plan to end Lebanon”s political crisis, particularly the election of army commander Gen. Michel Suleiman as president.

 

The daily An Nahar on Friday, citing foreign diplomatic sources in Beirut, said Paris” stance came in response to a suggestion by Syria to find a substitute for Suleiman.

 

According to the sources, Damascus” offer was conveyed to Paris by Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad Bin Jaber al Thani.

 

The suggestion calls for substituting Suleiman for another candidate named by the Assad regime.

 

They include, in addition to Suleiman, former cabinet minister Faris Boueiz.

 

The sources said Paris was “not willing to replace the Arab initiative by another one,” and reiterated its adherence to the Arab plan which called for the election of Suleiman head of state.

 

They said the suggestion was brought up five days ago and was presented to the majority March 14 Forces which, in turn, “totally” rejected it.