Jean-Marie Bockel of the French Defense and Veterans’ Affairs Ministry said that the establishment of diplomatic relations between Lebanon and Syria will be a boost for French President Nicolas Sarkozy during his visit to Damascus, but he did not mention if it was a prerequisite for Sarkozy’s trip.
During an interview with Lebanese daily An-Nahar, Bockel expressed hope that a Lebanese ministerial statement will be drafted soon so that the governmental can start its work, which will lead to Lebanon and Syria making commitments over exchanging embassies.
“The national dialogue will help solve the issue,” of Lebanese in Syrian jails, Bockel said. “This is not the only problem, but it is always present in the minds of the people who support a strong dialogue between Lebanon and Syria,” he added.
Bockel noted that President Sarkozy believes the exchange of embassies should reflect a real rapprochement between Lebanon and Syria and the two states’ determination to find serious, permanent and acceptable solutions to their problems.