We Await Opening of Embassies Between Beirut and Damascus Before End of 2008
French Prime Minister Francois Fillon has stressed that France is awaiting the opening of embassies between Lebanon and Syria before 2009.
In a joint press conference with Saniora on Thursday at the Grand Serail, Fillon said France would present Lebanon with 125 million Euros in support of Lebanese small and medium enterprises that fell victim to the 2006 July war.
He expressed satisfaction over progress made in Lebanese-Syrian relations.
"We await the opening of embassies in both countries prior to year”s end," he said.
"France is following with great interest Syrian implementation of its own resolutions, after which it would be time to discuss other issues such as the missing (Lebanese) and the borders," Fillon said.
"If Syria does not respect its resolutions then we shall say so," he stressed.
He said that France calls for the full implementation of UNSCR 1701.
The French prime minister lauded President Michel Suleiman”s determination to hold the national dialogue.
Fillon will head to south Lebanon on Friday to visit French forces serving with UNIFIL.
During the joint press conference, Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Saniora affirmed the implementation of the Taef agreement and continued extension of state authority in accordance with UNSCR 1701.
He lauded France”s role at the European Union and the Security Council in supporting Lebanon and Arab causes.
"The agreements we signed attest our determination in strengthening our relations with France," Saniora said.
Saniora and Fillon signed a number of political and economic agreements and protocols strengthening cooperation between both states, including a 2008-2012 framework partnership agreement and a deal between Lebanon”s Ministry of Finance and France”s Ministries of Economy, Industry and Labor.
Lebanon”s Defense Minister Elias Murr and his French counterpart Herve Morin signed a defense cooperation agreement, a deal on demining and a protocol between Lebanon”s Institute of Judicial Studies and the National Institute for French Justice.
President Suleiman earlier discussed with Fillon about bilateral relations and ways for strengthening them. The French PM expressed his country”s support to Lebanon in all fields.
Fillon is scheduled to meet Speaker Nabih Berri on Friday.