Sarkozy Following Up on Lebanon”s Defense Strategy … Security Is Fundamental Mission of Government
French President Nicolas Sarkozy said he was following up on Lebanon”s Defense Strategy dialogue and warned that safeguarding the public is a fundamental mission of the Lebanese government.
"France is extremely cautious in following up on the defense strategy being prepared (by the various Lebanese leaders) … to allow the Lebanese state, exclusively, to ensure defense of the country," Sarkozy said in a speech during a dinner banquet Monday in the honor of visiting President Michel Suleiman.
"In a country that enjoys sovereignty, no party but the state is allowed to provide security," Sarkozy warned.
"You can count on our support in this regard," the French president stressed.
Turning to the Middle East peace process, Sarkozy said that "2009 should be the Year of Peace in the Middle East; and Lebanon should be an effective player."
Suleiman kicked off a three-day state visit to France Monday, holding talks with Sarkozy who pledged his full support for the reconciliation process in Lebanon.
France rolled out the red carpet for the Lebanese leader, who was escorted across the River Seine to the official guest residence of the Elysee Palace by mounted republican guards.
"France has always supported and promoted the independence and sovereignty of Lebanon," Suleiman told reporters after his talks with Sarkozy.
Suleiman”s visit was expected to focus on diplomatic ties with Damascus.
Suleiman said there was a "total convergence of views" between Paris and Beirut on Lebanese relations with Syria, and the wider Middle East peace process.
Sarkozy assured Suleiman of "France”s full support for efforts to consolidate the independence and unity of Lebanon," the French presidency said.
He also stressed that this country does not support any side against the other in Lebanon.
Paris "stands by those who work in Lebanon”s interests," he told Suleiman.
He expressed his country”s readiness to support Lebanon in political, military, cultural and economic fields.
Suleiman, meanwhile, told the French president that faster progress will be made in Lebanese internal affairs and in ties with Damascus in the aftermath of the June 7 elections.
Asked if he received guarantees that there will be no compromises in the region at Lebanon”s expense, Suleiman said: "We definitely got and we already know that France will not allow any settlements at Lebanon”s expense."
Local media on Tuesday said Suleiman”s visit would also focus on French military and economic assistance to Lebanon.