Mr. Saad Rafic Hariri received this morning in Koraytem the French Ambassador to Lebanon Bernard Emié. Discussions focused on the situation in Lebanon and the region.
After the meeting, the French Ambassador said: “I came to visit Mr. Saad Hariri after returning to Beirut. We discussed the situation in Lebanon and the region as well as the upcoming legislative elections in your country.
I reminded him of the French position which hopes for democratic and transparent elections in Lebanon within the time limit as of 29th of May. I reasserted that the issue of the electoral law is not our responsibility. But we think that an agreement should be reached regarding a law that is supported by most Lebanese and ensures representation for all Lebanese.
I reiterated to Mr. Saad Hariri, who was received by the French President a few weeks ago, the respect and affection of France and the French Presidency for the family of Martyr Premier.
I also renewed our encouragement and support for the tasks assigned to him. I told him that we are very keen to see a quick implementation for UN Resolution 1595, which calls for the formation of an international probe committee. I asserted to him that France, the permanent member at the UN Security Council, will work to achieve this.
I also had a lengthy discussion with Mr. Saad Hariri on the situation in the region.”
Question: Do you think that the 2000 electoral law is accepted by most Lebanese?
Ambassador Emié: “We think that the Lebanese should decide on this issue. France doesn’t have any intention, as the international community, to favor one electoral law over another. We say that an agreement should be reached concerning an electoral law that is acceptable by most Lebanese. And I am sure of the wisdom of the Lebanese in reaching such a settlement.”