Lebanese Sovereignty, Military and Economic Assistance on Agenda as Suleiman Heads to Paris
President Michel Suleiman travels to France on Monday on a three-day official visit that will focus on French military and economic assistance to Lebanon as well diplomatic ties with Damascus.
Suleiman will discuss with French President Nicolas Sarkozy relations between Lebanon and Syria "from the perspective of the French attention given to these ties," a Lebanese government official said.
French sources told al-Anwar daily in remarks published Sunday that Paris will also stress "its commitment to work in the interest of Lebanon”s unity, independence and sovereignty."
French officials will also make clear to Suleiman that there are no compromises at Lebanon”s expense, informed sources told al-Balad newspaper.
French foreign ministry spokesman Eric Chevallier said that France aims to show during the visit its full support for Suleiman and for Lebanon, as the country prepares to hold legislative elections.
"The June 7 elections must be held in a climate of stability, respect democratic norms and consolidate unity, independence and the sovereignty of Lebanon to which France is attached," Chevallier said.
Earlier this year Sarkozy called for a "transparent and democratic" vote in Lebanon and said in a newspaper interview that Paris was prepared to "help ensure the good conduct of the election."
In February, France and Italy said they would be willing to monitor the vote.
Sarkozy will host Suleiman at a dinner banquet on Monday ahead of his talks with Prime Minister Francois Fillion on Tuesday and a meeting Wednesday with Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner.
France expects the visit to bolster trade ties but officials do not expect any major deals to be signed between the two countries