French Foreign Minister in Lebanon expresses regrets campaign against ballot
Lebanon-Syria-France, Politics, 11/14/2007

French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner expressed his country's commitment to holding presidential elections on time and with the accord of all the Lebanese, and regretted the recent rhetoric against holding the elections.

Kouchner was speaking after talks with Head of the Future Bloc in Parliament MP Saad Hariri, who reaffirmed the March 14's resolve to reach accord over a presidential candidate and said the Syrian regime seeks to destabilize Lebanon and block the elections.

The French Minister told reporters in Koreitem France strongly supports the Lebanese who back the presidential elections, and is working with all religions and sects to achieve this goal. He stressed that President Nicolas Sarkozy, the French government and himself are happy with the progress that the Lebanese have already made.

Kouchner pointed out that the entire international community is closely watching the situation in Lebanon and wants the elections to occur because they are significant for Lebanon and the region since they will bring people of all religions together. He added, there was "excellent" accord at the meeting with MP Hariri.

For his part, Harir hailed the French President's commitment to resolve the crisis, but made clear that the Syrian regime has been attacking France and its initiative while claiming that it seeks to play a positive role in Lebanon. He told reporters that the recent comments by Hizbullah Secretary General Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah left a negative impact on the Lebanese for attacking initiatives to resolve the crisis. In an interview with TV5 and RFI, MP Hariri later said France believes the recent speech by Nasrallah did not help efforts to find a solution.

He pointed out that the Syrian regime is capable of blocking all initiatives, adding he will soon visit Russia to seek its backing in bringing stability and to tell the world that Syria wants to destabilize the country.

The March 14 coalition still seeks accord on the elections away from Iranian and Syrian interference, MP Hariri told the French TV and radio stations. He stressed that there is a big chance the elections will take place, and that House Speaker Nabih Berri is exerting efforts to hold them, but the Syrians have been applying pressure to block the ballot.

Asked what sort of miracle will "resolve" the crisis, Hariri said it would be holding presidential elections in Parliament for a head of state who is committed to Lebanese sovereignty, freedom and Lebanese interests and one who rejects Iranian, US or any other pressure. He also said despite threats by the opposition, they cannot create a parallel government, because the March 14 coalition is seen as the legitimate majority inside Lebanon and abroad, adding the threats are by those who are emboldened by Syrian and Iranian arms.

Earlier in the week, Hariri expressed full support for the Maronite Church’s initiative to achieve consensus on a presidential candidate, and reiterated commitment to dialogue, but made clear there will be no compromise over the blood of Prime Minister Rafic Hariri and other martyrs, and over the sacrifices of the Lebanese Army, and the majority MPs in Parliament who are being targeted by a ‘killer regime’ that will be judged at the international tribunal.

At a meeting with majority MPs in the Phoenicia Hotel, where they have been residing in light of security threats, Head of the Future Bloc said the MPs seek a President who embodies Lebanese independence, and pointed out that the upcoming elections are the most significant in the history of the country. MP Hariri reaffirmed his readiness for dialogue on Lebanon’s independence, freedom, and stopping assassinations and reaching consensus over a presidential candidate, and emphasized his full backing for the Patriarch’s aspirations for the next President.

Previous Stories:
  Hariri and Michel Aoun overcome difference, talk of democratic state   (11/6/2007)
  US action against individuals supporting Syrian efforts in Lebanon   (11/6/2007)
  Lebanese sides fail to agree on new president   (10/23/2007)
  France's decision to contribute to Hariri tribunal creation fund   (10/16/2007)
  French FM meets Hariri: Berri proposal positive ahead of presidential elections   (9/14/2007)
  Lebanese army regains control of refugee camp   (9/5/2007)
  US views on Syria's position regarding Lebanon   (9/5/2007)
  France support for a new elections in Lebanon   (8/27/2007)
  Hariri accuses Syria of campaign against Saudi Arabia   (8/27/2007)
  France sponsors meeting to relaunch national dialogue   (6/12/2007)
  Chirac warns Syria to stay out of Lebanon   (3/6/2006)
  France denies plan to topple Lebanese president   (2/21/2006)

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