By Xinhua,
Beirut : Visiting French President Nicolas Sarkozy vowed here Saturday that France is committed economically, culturally, and emotionally to Lebanon.
Sarkozy stressed his country’s support to Lebanon while talking with newly-elected Lebanese President Michel Suleiman upon his arrival at the Beirut airport on Saturday morning for a six-hour official visit.
Sarkozy told Suleiman that “you have a big responsibility, and France will always support Lebanon and its people.”
“It is time for all the Lebanese to gather in the government of premier (Fouad) Seniora to work for the future, which can only be progressed by dialogue,” urged the French president.
Sarkozy said that due to the efforts of all parties, the Cairo-based Arab League was able to help Lebanon overcome its crisis, adding “I strongly believe that the people of the Mediterranean have a joint destiny.”
Sarkozy, accompanied with more than 70 personalities, was received at the airport by Lebanese President Suleiman, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Seniora. He is the first Western head of state to meet President Suleiman who took office on May 25.
Lebanon’s rival factions and politicians reached an agreement in Doha on May 21, ending a long political deadlock in the country. Its first phase led to electing Suleiman as the new president on Sunday after six months of presidential vacuum, while the second step is to form a national unity government with veto power for the opposition.
The rival leaders also agreed to adopt 1960 electoral law.