France for unconditional Israeli pullback from Lebanon

Lebanese President Elias Hrawi on Monday discussed with French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine bilateral relations between the two countries and developments in the Middle East peace process.

Vedrine reiterated that the UN Security Council resolutions called for an immediate and unconditional Israeli withdrawal from South Lebanon. In a news conference held before leaving Lebanon for Amman, Jordan, Vedrine said France is ready to discuss the demands of the parties concerned if UN resolutions is implemented.

Following his talks with President Hrawi, Vedrine stressed that the critical situation in the Middle East must not continue unabated, and the stalemate in the peace process must be ended.

Vedrine described his visit to Lebanon as important due to the strong bilateral relations and the situation in the region. Vedrine met with Lebanese Premier Rafiq Hariri and speaker of the Lebanese parliament Nabih Berri.

Earlier in the day, Vedrine expressed his country's readiness to participate in finding an actual solution in the Middle East. In a statement following his meeting with his Lebanese counterpart, Fares Boueiz, the Vedrine noted many obstacles facing the peace process, adding that France is committed to doing its utmost to find a real solution. He described the situation in the region as very dangerous.