Naharnet Newsdesk - Fillon Offers Help for Polls, Says Peace Not Fully Reached

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Fillon Offers Help for Polls, Says Peace Not Fully Reached

France stands ready to send people to Lebanon to observe or to help with key legislative elections planned next year, visiting French Prime Minister Francois Fillon said on Friday.
"France is ready, if Lebanon so wishes, to provide technical support during the elections," Fillon said as he spoke with French and Lebanese business leaders.

Assistance could consist of helping organize the polls or providing observers as part of a European Union initiative, his office said.

Fillon hailed the recent establishment of diplomatic relations between Syria and Lebanon but warned that this must be followed by concrete measures.

"The border between both countries needs to be delineated, controls along the border need to be strengthened and the issue of the Lebanese missing needs to be resolved," the premier said.

Fillon, who was accompanied on his two-day trip by a delegation of businessmen, encouraged further investment by French companies in Lebanon, where he said the situation has stabilized following a accord in May that put an end to a crippling 18-month political crisis.

"I encourage French investors to choose Lebanon," he said.

On Thursday, Fillon signed a number of economic accords.

The premier wrapped up his two-day visit by traveling to southern Lebanon to meet French soldiers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.

"There is a lot of work to be done in south Lebanon, reconciliation has not been achieved and peace is neither fully nor finally achieved. However, there is progress every day," he said.

The French prime minister attended a live demining operation conducted by a remote controlled robot.

Fillon also telephoned Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir and invited him to France on behalf of President Nicolas Sarkozy.(AFP-Naharnet)

Beirut, 21 Nov 08, 21:03


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