Fabius Says Latest Incidents in Lebanon Facilitate Spill over of Syrian Crisis
French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said Friday that the latest security incidents and kidnappings in Lebanon facilitate the spill over of the Syrian crisis to the country.
“The latest incidents in Lebanon facilitate the spill over of the Syrian crisis but we hope to find a solution to this situation,” Fabius said at Rafik Hariri International Airport following a two-day visit to Beirut.
Al-Meqdad clan has kidnapped several Syrians in retaliation to the abduction of a family member, Hassan al-Meqdad, by rebels in Syria earlier this week.
“We hold onto the safety and integrity of Lebanese territories and hope that the Syrian crisis would not have negative repercussions on Lebanon,” he told reporters.
The Foreign Minister said he discussed with Lebanese officials the issue of Syrian refugees in Lebanon.
“I appreciate the efforts of the Higher Relief Council and other organizations in helping the refugees,” he said, adding that France has made a financial contribution which is an additional support for the efforts exerted by Lebanese authorities.
He met on Friday with President Michel Suleiman, a day after holding talks with Speaker Nabih Berri, Premier Najib Miqati and Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour.
He also visited the graveside of ex-Premier Rafik Hariri in downtown Beirut.
Fabius lauded Suleiman’s efforts on the national dialogue, expressing France’s support for the all-party talks.
The French FM travelled to Turkey.
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