Sarkozy from Baabda: France Congratulates itself with Suleiman
French President Nicolas Sarkozy said that France congratulates itself with what President Michel Suleiman has done in Lebanon.
He added that France wishes to be a friend to all Lebanese and wishes to see a free and independent Lebanon.
At a press conference on Tuesday from Baabda palace following his meeting with Suleiman, Sarkozy hoped that the spring 2009 parliamentary elections would take place on time and with transparency.
"Lebanon must know that it can depend on France," he added.
Following the meeting Sarkozy headed to south Lebanon to meet with the French brigade working under the United Nations International Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
He wanted to carry a message of unity to the troops from France.
The French president said that he would return to Egypt later in the evening for more talks with his Egyptian counterpart aimed at achieving a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip where Israeli forces are battling Hamas fighters.
"Egypt has a considerable role to play," Sarkozy told reporters after his talks with Suleiman.
"I will head back to Sharm el-Sheikh, after visiting French troops serving with the U.N. in Lebanon, to continue the dialogue launched yesterday in favor of peace in Gaza and the Palestinian territories," he added.
The French leader said he had spoken by telephone with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and the two agreed to meet again on Tuesday. They had met on Monday at the start of Sarkozy”s visit to the Middle East.
"I wish to continue our work and our talks will probably last late into the evening," he said.
Sarkozy also met with Prime Minister Fouad Saniora, Defense Minister Elias Murr, Army Chief General Jean Qahwaji, State Minister Nassib Lahoud who was acting as Foreign Minister.
Following the meeting Saniora said: "The French move is very good, the sense of awareness in Lebanon is great, everyone knows that it would not benefit Lebanon to be drawn into any confrontations of any kind."
"We believe Israel is always sly and works on finding excuses and means for making trouble. However, everyone in Lebanon is greatly aware of that," Saniora said.