Sarkozy Praises “Maturity” of Lebanese
French President Nicolas Sarkozy lauded Tuesday the "maturity" of Lebanese and said formation of the Lebanese unity government is a positive step for the country and the entire region.
"The formation of the national unity cabinet in Lebanon is very good news for Lebanon and the Lebanese and the entire region," Sarkozy told the Saudi newspaper Ar-Riyadh in an interview published Tuesday.
Lebanese politicians "knew how to find a solution to the (cabinet) crisis through dialogue and a sense of responsibility," he said.
The French president told Ar-Riyadh that the ability of politicians in Lebanon to put national interest above other interests is a sign of "political maturity and democracy."
He urged the Lebanese to continue the path of dialogue and reconciliation that guarantees Lebanon”s independence and sovereignty.
On Middle East peace talks, Sarkozy said: "The priority is to restart as soon as possible the peace process."
"It is urgent because the current deadlock plays into the hands of extremists and each day the chance of peace is slipping away a little," the French president said.
Sarkozy arrives in the Saudi capital late Tuesday to spend the night at King Abdullah”s desert ranch outside of Riyadh, in what officials described as a mostly personal visit aimed at tightening the bonds between the two leaders.