Sarkozy Invites Miqati to France to Congratulate him on STL Funding
French Ambassador to Lebanon Denis Pietton revealed on Monday that Prime Minister Najib Miqati had received an official invitation from his French counterpart, Francois Fillon, to visit France.
He said after meeting the premier that President Nicolas Sarkozy would be happy to meet Miqati to congratulate him on the decision to fund the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.
He said that this visit would address various Lebanese-French affairs, as well as assert the friendship between the two countries.
A date for the visit has not been set yet.
Earlier on Monday, British Ambassador to Lebanon Tom Fletcher hailed Miqati’s commitment to the funding of the STL.
Fletcher said after meeting with the premier at the Grand Serail that there are concerns over stability in Lebanon during the “critical stage” the region is passing through.
He stressed that his country seeks strengthening a “sovereign, free, and independent” Lebanon.
The diplomat said that the PM’s decision allowed the international community to back measures that enable “enhancing support” for Lebanon.
Last week, Miqati announced that he transferred Lebanon's share of funds for the STL probing the murder of ex-Premier Rafik Hariri.
Fletcher stated that Miqati discussed with his British counterpart, during his visit to London in November, the measures that Britain can adopt to strengthen Lebanon’s stability.
“We positively welcome” Miqati’s suggestions, he said.
Fletcher added that during the upcoming months, his country will unveil several measures in Lebanon, and adopt policies to support education, and the Lebanese Armed Forces.
Also Monday, Miqati held talks with Syrian Ambassador Ali Abdul Karim Ali and Ghazanfar Roknabadi, Iran’s ambassador.
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