Signs of improved Syrian-French relations

French ambassador in Damascus Jean-Francois Girault said that his country is linked by deep friendship relations with Syria and considers itself a friend of the Syrian people.

Girault, in a statement to the Syrian TV overnight after a Ramadan breakfast banquet he held in honor of the Grand Mufti of the Republic Sheikh Ahmad Hassoun and attended by Syrian clergymen and businessmen, added that cooperation between the two countries is strong and French companies are investing in Syria along with great and important projects.

He stressed that France doesn't back the idea of imposing economic sanctions or siege on Syria, adding that "what we hear on this subject is only unfounded hypothesis."

Ambassador Girault said that "France isn't willing to destabilize Syria with which it is linked by good relations. I hear and read in newspapers that France wants to impose sanctions on Syria...and I say it's not true because during all the periods passed by the Syrian-French relations, we saw difficulties, but friendship always surmounted these difficulties...dialogue overcomes all other things in all circumstances," he added.

For his part, the Grand Mufti said Syria is the country of religious tolerance, and that dialogue among religions takes a special and distinguished form in Syria.

He added that "I've heard beautiful words from the French ambassador about the French-Syrian relations."