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Statements made by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs Spokesperson

FRANCE / LEBANON

On October 19 and 20, the minister of foreign and European affairs visited Lebanon with Massimo D’Alema and Miguel Angel Moratinos. This unprecedented trip, born of a shared determination and a joint project with our Italian and Spanish partners, attests to the very strong involvement of our three countries—and indeed all the Europeans—with Lebanon, which is facing decisive deadlines today.

The ministers went first to visit our contingents in Naqura where they hailed the action being conducted in support of the Lebanese army by UNIFIL, to which our three countries are the main contributors. The minister and his counterparts recalled the achievements obtained with the implementation of SCR 1701 since the cessation of the hostilities of summer 2006, but also underscored the steps that remain to be taken with a view to a permanent cease-fire and long-term solution.

UNIFIL’s exemplary action, in which the Europeans are playing a key role, remains all the more necessary and will be continued. This action constitutes a large part of the framework in which France and its partners are working tirelessly on behalf of Lebanon, its sovereignty, its unity, its independence and its stability.

The election of a broad-based, representative president within the provided deadlines and according to constitutional norms is an important step for Lebanon’s sovereignty and stability. The foreign and European minister, whose personal involvement was illustrated notably by the La-Celle-Saint-Cloud meeting, has clearly reaffirmed our attachment to these principles.

In their talks with the president of the Parliament, the Prime Minister and Patriarch Sfeir, and during the meeting with leaders of the national dialogue, held at our ambassador’s residence, the ministers underscored the urgency of an inter-Lebanese understanding with a view to this crucial deadline and our willingness to continue working to this end. They had the opportunity to note that, while difficulties remain, the will to an understanding does exist with respect to the election. The Lebanese parties must seize the time given to them by the latest postponement of the first round to step up their consultations in order to reach an understanding by November 12.

While stressing that such an understanding was first and foremost the responsibility of the Lebanese, the ministers noted that it was up to outside parties to adopt a positive attitude with respect to the deadline. This could only bolster prospects for regional détente.

Finally, the minister, who that very morning had paid tribute to the memory of Antoine Ghanem by laying a wreath on his tomb, ended this exceptional trip with a visit of solidarity, accompanied by his two colleagues, to the deputies currently housed at the Hotel Phoenicia: the understanding in which everyone has an interest also presumes a clear rejection of intimidation.

As the minister noted during his trip to Lebanon, France is determined to continue providing its full support for UNIFIL, and even to expand it if necessary. The commitment of French troops is already very sizeable, with France being the second-largest contributor of troops to UNIFIL.