Pietton Meets Aoun, Hopes Cabinet Would Resume Functions
French Ambassador Denis Pietton hoped on Wednesday that the cabinet would resume its functions in implementing reforms after Premier Najib Miqati suspended the government sessions over his accusations that ministers loyal to Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun were being unproductive.
“After what I’ve heard from Aoun, I hope that the government would resume its work and activities in implementing reform,” Pietton said after meeting with the FPM chief in Rabieh.
The French ambassador also expressed hope that the cabinet would overcome its crisis by appointing civil servants to posts in state institutions and resolving issues that revolve around the people’s daily lives.
Miqati suspended the sessions on Feb. 1 after he bickered with ministers loyal to Aoun who accused him of naming candidates for posts reserved for Christians without consulting them.
About the premier’s latest visit to Paris, Pietton said: “We admit that PM Miqati preserved stability in Lebanon which was one of his priorities.”
“Our main objective is for Lebanon not to be affected by what’s happening in the region, mainly Syria,” which has been engulfed in turmoil since last March, he said.
The diplomat stressed that Paris rejects violence, saying that it is shocked by the crackdown by the Assad regime on the protestors.
Asked if France would continue to support the Lebanese army, he said: “Of course we will continue our support.”
“Not long ago we gave 5 million euros worth of assistance to the Lebanese army based on the request of PM Miqati,” he said.
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