In Beirut, Le Pen Says Assad 'More Reassuring Solution for France'
France's far-right leader and presidential candidate Marine Le Pen on Monday announced from Beirut that Syrian President Bashar Assad is “a much more reassuring solution for France” than the jihadist Islamic State group.
“We each expressed our position. On certain points, we have of course common analysis, in particular on the absolute necessity of being able to bring around the table all the nations that want to fight Islamic fundamentalism and Daesh (IS),” said Le Pen after talks with Prime Minister Saad Hariri at the Grand Serail, according to an English-language statement distributed by the premier's office.
“Daesh also recruits in France, in our neighborhoods, and Islamic fundamentalism is gaining importance and support in France,” Le Pen added.
She noted that she had “some differences” with Hariri on a number of other points.
“They may be related to the geographical locations of our two countries,” Le Pen added.
“I clearly stated that, in the context of policy of the lesser evil, which is a realistic policy, it appeared to me that Bashar Assad is obviously today a much more reassuring solution for France than the Islamic State,” the French presidential candidate went on to say.
“France is not Lebanon and each of us defends... the interest of their own country, which of course is not the same,” Le Pen added.
Shunned by European leaders over her party's stance on immigration and anti-EU message, Le Pen's meetings with Lebanese leaders aim to boost her international credibility.
France had mandate power over both Lebanon and Syria during the first half of the 20th century.
Rival presidential hopeful and former French economy minister Emmanuel Macron visited Beirut on January 24, where he met both President Michel Aoun and Hariri.
Le Pen has met few top foreign officials since taking control of her party in 2011.
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