Sarkozy to Visit Lebanon, Follow Up Lebanese-Syrian Diplomatic Ties
An-Nahar newspaper reported on Sunday that French President Nicolas Sarkozy will visit Lebanon at the beginning of 2009 to congratulate his country’s UNIFIL contingent on its work and to follow up the establishment of diplomatic ties between Beirut and Damascus, which, according to a French diplomatic source, is supposed to be finalized prior to his arrival.
The paper added that this prospective visit was discussed following a visit by a French delegation to Damascus, which held meetings with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, in November.
The French delegation included Elysee Secretary General Claude Gayan, Sarkozy’s diplomatic adviser Jean-David Levitte and adviser for the Middle East and North African affairs, Boris Boillon.
The discussions were described as “good” and Syria affirmed that it was committed to a new relationship with Lebanon, particularly related to developing diplomatic ties, border demarcation, the issue of detainees and revaluating previously signed bilateral treaties.