Miqati Heads to France in January to Meet Sarkozy, Senior Officials

Prime Minister Najib Miqati is expected to head to Paris in January to meet with senior French officials including President Nicolas Sarkozy, al-Akhbar newspaper reported on Friday.

According to the daily, he will discuss two issues during his stay in France, the first is related to the economy while the second is aimed at stressing the importance of the foreign support granted to the Lebanese army.

French Ambassador to Lebanon Denis Pietton revealed earlier in the month that Miqati had received an official invitation from his French counterpart, Francois Fillon, to visit France.

Al-Akhbar reported that his visit will be during the first two weeks of January; however, An Nahar said that Miqati will travel to Paris at the end of the month.

The newspaper quoted the PM as saying that he is seeking to safeguard the country from any foreign repercussions if Lebanon didn’t commit to the international resultions.

Miqati stressed on the importance of maintaining stability in the South by implementing United Nations Security Council resolution 1701.

He noted that the funding of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon probing the assassination of ex-Prime Minister Rafik Hariri was part of his commitment to the international legitimacy.

Concerning the developments in Syria, Miqati said that “no one can deny the historic and geographic relations between Lebanon and Syria.”

“I can’t interfere in the Syrian affairs, and I pledge (the Arab and international community) to understand our position,” the premier added.

He said that his concerns are focused on how to safeguard the local situations from any negative repercussions.

Asked about his relations with President Michel Suleiman, Miqati says that there are daily contacts between them to resolve thorny issues.

“We are committed to cooperation and consensus among each other for the benefit of the executive power in the country,” he added.