Paoli Reiterates Calls for Lebanese Foes to Reach Consensus over Controversial Issues

French Ambassador to Lebanon Patrice Paoli reiterated calls for foes in Lebanon to find a way to return to dialogue and to agree on preventing the developments in the neighboring country Syria from having a negative impact on the situation in the country.

“The battles in Qusayr don't fall in Lebanon's best interest and we are looking forward for the foes to carry out the parliamentary elections on time and to form a new cabinet,” Paoli said in comments published in the pan-Arab daily al-Hayat.

Fighting in the Syrian town of Qusayr has spilled over into Lebanon, with rebels targeting border towns inside Lebanon in response to Hizbullah involvement in the conflict.

Paoli warned of falling into a political vacuum, stressing on the message conveyed by Director of the North Africa & Middle East department at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs Jean-Francois Girault, who recently visited the country.

The French ambassador described the visit of Girault as a message of “friendship to the Lebanese amid the difficult situation” in the country.”

Girault kicked off his visit to Lebanon last week by meeting with President Michel Suleiman.

He also met with senior Lebanese officials and party leaders.

Girault expressed hope that a cabinet would formed soon to oversee polls.

The Lebanese foes failed repeatedly to reach an agreement over a new electoral law, raising fears of a political vacuum in Lebanon or that the parliamentary elections will be held according to the 1960 law or that the term of the current parliament will be extended.

Paoli stressed that his country doesn't interfere in Lebanon's affairs, pointing out that “democracy would be applied by holding the elections.

The diplomat praised the role played by President Michel Suleiman, describing him as “the unity of the country and the guarantee of the constitution.”

He also expressed hope that Prime Minister-designate Tammam Salam would be able to form his cabinet

“France doesn't give instructions or orders... We openly discuss the matters with all of our friends,” Paoli added.

He stated that the French authority conveyed its message through Girault to all the rival parties in the same manner.

“We encourage the foes to meet and agree on all the disputable matters,” Paoli said.