France pursues Syrian withdrawal from Lebanon

A document disclosed on Wednesday said that France has called on member states in the European Union to issue a decision ordering Syria to withdraw its forces from Lebanon, according to a set schedule.

This document came after Syria has completed the first phase of its plan to withdraw on two phases. The proposed French statement says that the "withdrawal should be complete and implemented according to a set schedule." Although the US placeds pressure on Syria to withdraw its forces and intelligence from Lebanon before the general Lebanese elections in May, the proposed French decision does not propose a set date. It says the European Council hopes for the formation of a new government as soon as possible.

The statement added that the government should be able to organize free and transparent elections at the set time for that and according to the Lebanese constitution without foreign intervention or influence. The European Union will monitor with great interest the election process and will be ready to provide help, it said.