French FM to tour the region

A high ranking French diplomatic source told the Lebanese daily al-Mustaqbil that the next tour of French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine to the Middle east region will cover Syria and Lebanon, the Palestinian-self rule areas and Israel.

The source stated that the aim of this tour is to intensify contacts and consultations with sides concerned concerning the realization of progress in the peace process.

The source continued that France can play an important role in the phase of peace during what he called the "security participation" in south Lebanon and contributing to the process of rebuilding this region, which is drastically in need of rebuilding.

On the date for Vedrine's visit to the region, the source expected to be between the end of September and the beginning of October.