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France Vows to Prevent Israeli Strike on Lebanon’s Infrastructure | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Beirut and Paris, Asharq Al-Awsat – Well-informed Lebanese sources confirmed to Asharq Al-Awsat that French President Nicolas Sarkozy informed Lebanese officials that France has vowed to try to prevent Israel from bombarding Lebanon’s basic infrastructure “but no more than that.” Sarkozy stressed to Lebanese officials that it was imperative to “control the internal situation in Lebanon and prevent any provocations.”

A parliament member from the Future bloc, which is headed by Lebanese Prime Minister Saad al Hariri, revealed to Asharq Al-Awsat that al Hariri, through his international and Arab ties, was trying to form a safety net to prevent an Israeli attack.

The Lebanese MP highlighted that Hezbollah should not provide Israel with any pretexts for launching an assault on Lebanon. He also referred to the efforts exerted by Saudi Arabia and other countries towards the US administration to pressure Israel not to attack Lebanon.

Future MP Okab Saqr told Asharq Al-Awsat that the endeavours of Lebanese Prime Minister Saad al Hariri aim to strengthen the Lebanese internal state.

Following his meeting with French President Nicolas Sarkozy in Paris, Lebanese Prime Minister Saad al Hariri said that Lebanon supports the French initiative to hold a peace conference in Paris. He added that both he and the French President are tackling the “challenges” the region is currently facing. He quoted the French President as saying that he is willing to take concrete steps in this regard.

Concerning Lebanon’s demands to provide arms to its military, al Hariri quoted Sarkozy as saying that France is willing to assist Lebanon in all fields, alluding to Lebanon’s right to obtain the weapons it needs.