Paris Rejects Political Exploitation of Tribunal, Says Not Enough Support for 'Contact Group' Yet

Paris urged all Lebanese parties to respect the independent work of the international tribunal and expressed regret that attempts to establish a "contact group" on Lebanon haven't so far garnered enough support.

"France reiterates its continued commitment to international justice and the battle against impunity," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Bernard Valero.

Referring to U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon's statement on the court, the spokesman said: "Like the rest of international tribunals, the Special Tribunal for Lebanon is independent and unbiased."

"It should continue to operate without obstacles," he said in his briefing to reporters, urging all parties in Lebanon and the region "to respect the tribunal's independence."

"We reject any political exploitation of its work," said Valero.

When asked about the situation in Lebanon following the collapse of the government, the spokesman said: "The initiative launched by France through President Nicolas Sarkozy's discussions with several countries to set up a 'contact group' on Lebanon, is aimed at establishing a joint effort to protect the stability of Lebanon."

"However, Paris so far did not receive enough support for its initiative," he said.

"The situation in Lebanon is dangerous and Paris aims at helping it to overcome this current stage," Valero told reporters.