Suleiman”s Visit is “Message of Confidence” in Lebanon
A visit to France by President Michel Suleiman on March 16-18 is said to be a "message of confidence" in Lebanon.
The daily Asharq al-Awsat on Wednesday said France dedicates such a high-level visit to states it has "good relations" with.
Citing high-ranking French diplomatic sources, the daily said Suleiman”s visit will tackle issues such as "the return of Lebanon to full sovereignty, the return of institutions, primarily the presidency, to exercise its functions in full and consolidate success of the Doha agreement."
The sources said choosing the time of the visit ahead of the June 7 parliamentary elections in Lebanon "carries a French message of faith in Lebanon and its democracy."
It is also a message to encourage Lebanon to restore its full role, the sources added.
French President Nicola Sarkozy and Suleiman are expected to hold lengthy talks on Monday, according to the sources.
The meeting is to be followed by a banquet in Suleiman”s honor.