France's Hollande offers Lebanon support

Lebanese President, General Michel Sleiman, received a phone call Saturday from the French President, Francois Hollande, during which they discussed the relations between the two countries at all levels and on various matters. The call dealt with the role of international forces in southern Lebanon, including France, to keep peace and stability.  They also tackled the impact of Syrian events on Lebanon, in addition to the national dialogue meeting planned for next Monday, and the importance of this meeting in keeping internal Lebanese matters stable. Informed sources told Arabstoday that the French president tried to contact President Sleiman Wednesday, while he was in Abu Dhabi and Doha. Arabstoday was informed that President Holland wished the call to be made public and his position known to everyone. Hollande, renewed his support for the Lebanese president’s efforts, including the need for a national dialogue meeting. Holland emphasised the French position, which was reflected in a statement issued by the French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius. Hollande urged the Lebanese to support the steps taken by Sleiman in his leadership of the dialogue and attitudes towards the developments in the region, especially the situation in Syria, considering that this policy promotes calm and stability in Lebanon. The President thanked Francois Hollande for his support, pointing out the importance of Lebanon's friends to be at its side in order to promote stability and keep the country safe from the ongoing tensions in the region.