|
||
 |
||
|
||
|
||
| Hariri welcomes French
attempts to halt Gaza violence PARIS -- Lebanese Deputy and leader of the "Future Movement" Saad Hariri said here Friday that he welcomed and supported the efforts of French President Nicolas Sarkozy to bring an end to the violence in Gaza and to get a cease-fire between Hamas and Israel. Hariri met Sarkozy for talks Friday and said in statements later that he had discussed the situation in Lebanon with the French leader, who is expected in the region next week, where he will go to Egypt, Israel and the Palestinian Territories, before heading to Syria and Lebanon. Speaking to the press after Fridays meeting, the Lebanese official said he noted "the support of President Sarkozy for the stability of Lebanon." He also remarked that the two men had discussed "the grave situation" in Gaza and the need for a cease-fire as "the Palestinians are paying a very heavy price" in this conflict. Hariri pointed out that France "is always in the front line to try to put an end to what is happening" in Gaza and Sarkozy is going to the region "to try to find a solution to the massacres that the Palestinians are suffering." "France is always with oppressed people and human rights and peace," he affirmed. Noting Frances "primordial role" in promoting stability in Lebanon and in the renewal of that countrys relations with Syria, Hariri said that he felt the French could play "a very active role in getting a cease-fire in Gaza." Asked if he was concerned about a ripple effect in Lebanon because of the violence in Gaza, Hariri said, "We all know the situation in the region is very grave and all political parties in Lebanon are aware of this situation." He said Lebanese "worry something could happen," but he felt that everyone was aware of the dangers and he said he hoped there would be "no unilateral moves." "The important thing now is to stop the haemorrhage in Gaza and get a cease-fire." The Lebanese official also welcomed the efforts of Egypt to broker some sort of solution and also the efforts of the Arab League. -Kuna |
