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Kouchner hails 'renewed dialogue' in Lebanon |
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Written by News Editor
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Friday, 14 September 2007 |
Lebanon news, Lebanese radio
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Beirut
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BEIRUT: French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner expressed optimism at what he called a "renewed dialogue" emerging between opposing sides in Lebanon exemplified by Speaker Nabih Berri's call for dialogue and the March 14 Forces' "positive response" to the speaker's initiative by relinquishing their demand for electing the next president by a simple majority.
Kouchner, in Lebanon for a short visit, met both Berri and Premier Fouad Siniora. He said he viewed with optimism Siniora's and Berri's telephone conversation Wednesday which he said was the first time the two men spoke to each other for a long time.
"I feel matters are moving forward," Kouchner said.
Speaking to journalists during a televised question-and-answer session on TeleLiban Thursday night, Kouchner said that the Lebanese need to agree in spite of the difficulties, adding that France supports all the Lebanese and does not favor one group over the others. He added, however, that if the Lebanese want change they need to hold presidential elections within the time set by the Constitution.
Kouchner said the Lebanese have a unique opportunity to restore their country for the sake of their children, otherwise they will remain at the mercy of political tidal forces.
"Take advantage of this opportunity, respect your institutions and deadlines otherwise no one will believe you," the French official added.
"I do not ask you to love each other, although it is preferable, but agree among each other, understand that your future is in your hands to elect a new president, this is basic," Kouchner said in a message to the Lebanese people. "Lebanon has suffered enough ... stop fighting other people's wars, make peace among each other."
Kouchner also asked Syria not to interfere in Lebanese elections which he said had to be transparent, free and fair.
He said Iran has played a positive role in Lebanon, adding that French envoy Jean-Claude Cousseran's visit to Iran recently was sanctioned by French President Nicholas Sarkozy. "We do not take our instructions from Washington, we keep our allies informed but our policy is independent," Kouchner said.
Asked if he supports the election of a Lebanese president by a simple majority, Kouchner said: "Why not? Presidents are elected by simple majorities. I have read the Constitution and I think you should redraft [Article 49], this article is not very clear."
He said the article is not clear as to which two-thirds is being referred to, a quorum of two-thirds or a two-thirds majority vote in the first round of voting. "For me a simple majority is enough," Kouchner added.
The foreign minister said that foreign intervention in Lebanon exists and said only the strength of the Lebanese through their unity can thwart these interventions. He said the Lebanese are a dynamic and creative people, pointing to the multi-confessional Lebanese Army's achievement in defeating the militants in the Nahr al-Bared refugee camp. Kouchner said the army should be supported and strengthened. "You have the power to elect a president yet you assume you are a pawns of others," Kouchner said. "Please elect a president."
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He added that Lebanon is an example of multiple sects living side by side in peace and harmony, urging the Lebanese not to look beyond abroad for a solution to their problems but to look inward and make peace with each other.
Kouchner said that while Syria does have an important regional role to play it does not have a role to play in Lebanon. "We are ready to open up to Syria, if Syria respects Lebanese presidential polls in September then it must participate in the upcoming Middle East peace conference," Kouchner added, reiterating his earlier pledge that if Syria refrains from interfering in Lebanon's internal affairs it will be amazed at how France will open up to Syria.
Kouchner said the main difference between the governments of French President Nicolas Sarkozy and former French President Jacques Chirac is that Sarkozy represents a new generation, while Chirac represented the old generation and had a different relationship with the US. "[Sarkozy] speaks clearly and honestly, we do not follow the US lead, our relations with the US are different than Chirac's. We do not agree with all the US says," Kouchner added.
"My friends in March 14 say they are not completely happy, but this dialogue has to continue," he said, adding that dialogue is pivotal. "This is not a loss for anyone nor is it a victory for anyone," Kouchner added before heading for his meeting with Siniora Thursday evening.
Talking to journalists from Cairo, Kouchner urged the Lebanese "to resume a new round of dialogue and for presidential elections to be held on time." He said only the Lebanese can solve their problems, adding that France is always ready to help.
From Cairo, Kouchner said he hoped Lebanon's political leaders are able to agree on a new president without outside meddling. "France does not back any party but supports all of Lebanon's communities," he said. "We are trying to make it clear that these polls are essential."
Deputy Russian Foreign Minister Alexander Saltanov, in Syria for talks, arrived in Beirut late Thursday to hold talks with Lebanese officials. Talking to reporters from Damascus Thursday after meeting Syrian Vice President Farouk al-Sharaa, Saltanov expressed Russia's rejection of Israeli violations of Syrian airspace, saying: "We are against any violation whether it be Syrian airspace or any other." - With agencies |
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