Visiting French Defense Minister Michele Alliot-Marie asserted here Sunday France's support to Lebanon's government of Prime Minister Fouad Seniora.

Alliot-Marie made the pledge at a press conference after meetings with Seniora and her Lebanese counterpart Elias Murr.

The talks took up means of promoting bilateral ties and France's participation in the peacekeeping forces in Lebanon, Alliot- Marie told the reporters, voicing hope that Lebanon would enjoy stability.

She noted that France was one of the first countries to call for halting Israeli military operations in Lebanon and dispatch its forces to southern Lebanon to help people there.

France has played a key role in upgrading the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), she said, adding the number of UNIFIL was enough to support the Lebanese army as the situation in the south was calm.

The French defense minister said since France's firm rejection of Israel's violation of the Lebanese airspace, the number of such flights had largely retreated.

France was mulling sending reconnaissance planes to Lebanon at the United Nations request, she added.

Alliot-Marie arrived here Saturday for talks with Lebanese officials, while spending the New Year Eve with French troops operating in South Lebanon.

With a 1,600-strong force of "blue helmets", France is the second largest contributor to UNIFIL, after Italy with 2,300 soldiers.

Source: Xinhua