Juppe Ready to Meet Miqati, Warns of Repercussions of Syrian Civil War

French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe has expressed readiness to hold talks with Premier Najib Miqati after confirming to him that Lebanon would fund the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.

In remarks to al-Arabiya Arab TV network on Thursday, Juppe said: “We have previously met in September and he (Miqati) confirmed to me back then that the necessary measures to fund (the STL) will be made.”

“I trust him on his words and I am ready to meet him,” the French minister said.

He advised all Lebanese forces to assume their responsibilities, saying it would be “impossible to salvage Lebanon without the involvement of all parties in it.”

The political forces should steer their country clear of the regional tension and announce their loyalty to Lebanon’s obligations, including the funding of the international tribunal, Juppe told al-Arabiya.

On the situation in Syria, he warned that any instability or civil war in the neighboring country would have negative repercussions on Lebanon.