Paris Confirms Kouchner”s Visit: France Has a Place in Heart of Every Lebanese
The French Foreign Ministry spokesman has confirmed that Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner will visit Beirut end of October to reiterate Paris” friendship with Lebanon.
"The minister will make a tour of the Middle East that will include Lebanon. However, dates haven”t been set yet for this visit which is expected to take place end of Oct," Bernard Valero told reporters on Tuesday.
"The Lebanon visit is important that”s why it is being well prepared. As Prime Minister Francois Fillon explained during his last visit to Lebanon, Kouchner will reiterate that France continues to hold onto the French-Lebanese friendship," Valero said.
An Nahar daily expected Kouchner to visit Lebanon on October 23 to participate in ceremonies on the occasion of the opening of the French Book Fair.
"France has a place in the heart of every Lebanese. It is Lebanon”s friend," Valero said in response to a question.
When asked about reports on the selling of the French embassy estate in Sawfar, which has drawn condemnation by locals, Valero did not make any comment. He only said: "It”s a business deal in case it happens."