Raffarin Delivers Message of Support from Sarkozy to Suleiman: Government Formation is Internal Affair

French Senate deputy leader Jean-Pierre Raffarin stressed on Monday the autonomy of the Lebanese government, stressing that France respects Lebanon’s sovereignty.

He hoped after holding talks with President Michel Suleiman that the Lebanese government would be formed soon in order to resume cooperation between the country’s various ministries.

Raffarin also delivered a message of support to Suleiman from French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

The French official later held talks with Prime Minister-designate Najib Miqati on local developments.

Asked of the existence of a French-European initiative to form a government, he replied that the formation is an internal Lebanese affair.

Raffarin then held talks with caretaker Premier Saad Hariri’s advisor, Mohammed Shatah, on local and regional developments.

He said after the meeting: “It’s obvious that there are several factors causing instability in the region, and it’s important that we support Lebanon so that it stands as the starting point for development and stability that the region needs.”

The French official then held talks with Speaker Nabih Berri.