Juppe Advises Lebanese to Steer their Country Clear of Syrian Turmoil

French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe has advised the Lebanese to preserve their unity and prevent the Syrian crisis from affecting their country.

In an interview published in el-Shark newspaper on Tuesday, Juppe said all Lebanese “should focus on dialogue and work on preserving their national unity and civil peace to avoid disputes and importing them” to Lebanon.

“France is well aware of the concern of the Lebanese from the developments in Syria,” he said.

Syria’s regime is facing protests since March. It has responded to the demonstrations by brutal force while at the same time announcing reforms largely dismissed by the opposition as too little too late.

Juppe reiterated that Lebanon should respect its international commitments, mainly the funding of the Special tribunal for Lebanon that is set to try ex-Premier Rafik Hariri’s suspected assassins.

Lebanon is responsible for meeting 49 percent of the STL’s costs.

The minister also said that France holds onto its relations with Lebanon and stresses support for its independence, stability and regional safety.

The continued presence of French troops as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon testifies to the importance of bilateral ties, he added.

Juppe’s comment on UNIFIL came a few days after informed French sources told pan-Arab daily al-Hayat that France is mulling to downsize its peacekeepers in southern Lebanon early next year.

The sources said the reduction in the number of French soldiers from the current 12,000 would come when UNIFIL Commander Maj. Gen. Alberto Asarta’s mandate expires.