Diplomat: France Is Not Worried of a Hizbullah Victory
France is "not worried" of a Hizbullah victory in upcoming legislative elections and will continue to fully support the Doha agreement, French diplomats have said.
The remarks come ahead of a three-day visit by Lebanese President Michel Suleiman to start on Monday.
France "will not boycott any government that might emerge after the June 7 legislative elections," a French diplomat told As-Safir daily in comments published Saturday.
The diplomat, who was not identified, said the French government was "not worried that Hizbullah could possibly accede to power.
"The party is considered like any other element (taking part) in the Lebanese game. We believe that everybody will accept the election results."
Separately, Foreign Ministry spokesman Eric Chevalier stressed the need for the elections to proceed as scheduled "in a framework of complete stability and respect of the rules of decomcracy."
Chevalier reiterated his government”s support of the Doha agreement, which he said was instrumental in "stabilizing (Lebanon) … and appeasing tensions."
He said Paris "places great importance on the elections" which must serve to "reinforce Lebanon”s unity, independence and sovereignty."
The French government will use Suleiman”s visit to discuss ways to boost economic and financial cooperation between the two countries, he added.
Suleiman, who will be meeting his French counterpart, is expected to discuss Lebanese-Syrian ties and possible French aid to the Lebanese army and security forces