Lebanese Political Crisis, Refugees High on Agenda of French-Saudi Talks

Helping Lebanon overcome the burden of Syrian refugees and supporting the stability of its state institutions are two main issues that will be on the agenda of high-level talks between French and Saudi leaders over the weekend, officials said.

The French officials told pan-Arab daily al-Hayat on Tuesday that French President Francois Hollande is expected to discuss with Saudi King Abdullah Lebanon's political crisis.

The importance of assisting Lebanon resolve the Syrian refugee crisis and the support of the stability of its institutions are two essential issues that will be dealt with during the talks in Riyadh on Sunday, the officials said.

Paris is committed to backing Lebanon and hopes to coordinate with Saudi officials the efforts to preserve stability and security in the country, they said.

Hollande and his accompanying delegation will also discuss with Saudi officials ways to guarantee the success of a pledge made by the International Support Group for Lebanon to help the Lebanese army and to confront the burden of refugees.

Al-Hayat quoted Arab officials as saying that Riyadh has expressed readiness to provide a huge financial support to back the Lebanese Armed Forces.

The French officials, who were not identified, told the newspaper that Saudi Arabia cannot pressure the March 14 alliance into accepting the conditions set by Hizbullah on the formation of the new cabinet.

The officials did not reveal whether the government crisis will be on the agenda of the talks in Riyadh, only saying that Paris wants regional consensus on Lebanon's stability.

Hizbullah is calling for a government in which the March 8 and 14 alliances would get nine ministers each and centrists six. But March 14 is sticking to its demand for a neutral cabinet.

As far as the presidential elections are concerned, Paris is keen on the protection of the presidential post, which it considers “the fundamental aspect of the balance of power in Lebanon,” the officials said.

Hollande will discuss with the Saudi leadership and other parties ways to help Lebanon avoid a vacuum, they added.

President Michel Suleiman's term ends in May 2014 but the differences between the rival March 8 and 14 camps could prevent the parliament from convening to elect a new head of state.

Parliamentary blocs from the two camps have already boycotted several legislative sessions over claims that the parliament cannot meet amid a resigned government.

Their differences have also prevented Premier-designate Tammam Salam, who was appointed in April, from forming the new cabinet.