Pietton Meets Miqati: It’s Unfortunate that al-Rahi’s Statements Created Such Uproar

French Ambassador to Lebanon Denis Pietton questioned on Monday the uproar created in Lebanon over Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi’s statements from France, saying that it is unfortunate that it caused division among the Lebanese political class.

He said after holding talks with Prime Minister Najib Miqati that the patriarch’s visit was a success and it granted him an opportunity to express himself.

It was an historic visit that abided by tradition, he noted.

His statements from France reflected the Patriarchate and its role in Lebanon and the region, added the ambassador.

Pietton had accompanied al-Rahi on his visit to France last week.

The patriarch’s remarks from France had created controversy in Lebanon when he said: “Syrian President Bashar Assad must be given a chance because he is implementing reforms in Syria.”

He also called on the international community to force the implementation of resolutions issued by the U.N. Security Council in order to strip Hizbullah of excuses to possess arms.

“The international community must pressure Israel to withdraw from the occupied Lebanese territories … and fulfill the Palestinians’ right of return, and consequently Hizbullah will have to lay down its arms,” he told al-Arabiya television on Thursday.