Hamadeh: Sarkozy visit indicates return of French role in Arab East

Source: nowlebanon.com, 08-06-2008

Telecommunications Minister Marwan Hamadeh said that French President Nicolas Sarkozy's visit to Lebanon on Saturday represented "civilized society" and reinforced the image of Lebanon as the epitome of civilization and pluralism.

Hamadeh based his statements on Sarkozy's meetings with Hizbullah MP Mohammad Raad, Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblatt, Future Movement head Saad Hariri and Lebanese Forces chief Samir Geagea. The meetings emphasized the need for consensus on the government, he added.

Hamadeh said all evidence pointed to "the return of the French role in the Arab East." Sarkozy confirmed the beliefs of Jacques Chirac, his predecessor, and the latter's relationship with Lebanon and its neighbors, Hamadeh added.

Hamadeh reaffirmed Sarkozy's support for the International Tribunals. "I am sure that justice will be, as President Sarkozy said yesterday."

The Telecommunications Minister also said Lebanese President Michel Suleiman faced a number of large tasks, particularly the formation of a national-unity government and the subsequent mediation of national dialogue.