Feltman to Paris Wednesday for Talks on Lebanon, Tunisia

The top-ranking U.S. envoy for the Middle East, Jeffrey Feltman, said he would travel to France on Wednesday for talks on the situation in Lebanon and Tunisia, following a visit to Tunis.

"I'm going to meet with the French tomorrow to talk about Tunisia and Lebanon," he told reporters in Tunis.

Earlier Tuesday, France said it was worried about the stability of Lebanon after violent protests erupted over the appointment of Najib Miqati to head the new government.

"As Lebanon falls prey to violent protests, France wishes to express its concern for the stability of the country," foreign ministry spokesman Bernard Valero told reporters.

"All forms of violence should be avoided. France calls on all sides for calm and restraint," he said.

Miqati's appointment has angered the March 14 forces, led by Saad Hariri's Mustaqbal Movement.

They see it as an attempt by Hizbullah to impose its will on Lebanon.