French FM meets Hariri: Berri proposal positive ahead of presidential elections
Lebanon-France, Politics, 9/14/2007

French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner called for the upcoming presidential election in Lebanon to take place on time and in line with the constitution, following talks with Head of the Future Bloc in Parliament MP Saad Hariri.

He also welcomed the readiness of the March 14 forces for dialogue and said House Speaker Nabih Berri's proposal for compromise ahead of the upcoming election is positive.

Speaking to reporters in Koreitem, following the meeting that was also attended by French officials traveling with Koucher, Deputy House Speaker MP Fareed Makari, former MP Ghattas Khoury, and Nader Hariri, the French Minister said the March 14 forces and the opposition should cease Speaker Berri's call for compromise ahead of the ballot, and hailed the March 14 forces' readiness for dialogue.

He stressed dialogue can resume if both sides compromise their positions, and said the ballot should be "more open and more democratic."

Minister Kouchner also reaffirmed France's long-standing support for Lebanon.

Previous Stories:
  Lebanese army regains control of refugee camp   (9/5/2007)
  US views on Syria's position regarding Lebanon   (9/5/2007)
  Merkel voices support for Lebanon stabilization process   (9/5/2007)
  France support for a new elections in Lebanon   (8/27/2007)
  French help Lebanon crisis; democracy support urged in elections   (7/23/2007)
  France sponsors meeting to relaunch national dialogue   (6/12/2007)

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