UAE | Government

'France is holding talks with all concerned to end Lebanon crisis'

France yesterday reiterated its call for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon to stem the bloodshed.

  • By Samir Salama, Bureau Chief and WAM
  • Published: 00:00 July 23, 2006
  • Gulf News

Abu Dhabi: France yesterday reiterated its call for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon to stem the bloodshed.

"France demands that the fighting stop as soon as possible, because many Lebanese people are suffering as a result of the destruction of infrastructure," said French Defence Minister Michele Alliot-Marie.

A large part of Lebanon, she added, is deprived of electricity, water and food ... A baby formula factory was also attacked. Military operations must stop because the more casualties on both sides the more difficult to restore peace, she said.

The French minister was speaking to reporters after talks with His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Marie said the Middle East is volatile and can easily deteriorate further, setting ablaze the entire region. "So all parties concerned must move ahead to reach a situation where reconstruction is feasible. That is what France said and that is what [French President Jacques] Chirac stressed during the G-8 meetings."

Growing calls for a ceasefire in the Middle East exposed an international rift yesterday with Britain and the United States refusing to back the appeals despite 10 days of fierce fighting.

The French minister said her country was holding dialogue with all parties concerned to end the crisis, adding that Paris is prepared to take part in any peace-keeping force to be sent to Lebanon.

"France's participation in a peace-keeping force was suggested by President Chirac. But these forces will be meaningless if they are not associated with an agreement that will help to restore peace and improve conditions. The mission of these forces and tools to achieve this mission are also important."

Marie stressed absolute solidarity with Lebanon to maintain sovereignty over its lands.

The French Minister mocked the 'old' and 'new' terms being used by American officials, saying that political models can never be imposed from outside. 'Political models are linked to the culture and history of each people ... There is nothing absolutely new and nothing absolutely old ... Good wine is made in old barrels," Marie said.

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