Political situation in Lebanon

President Nicolas Sarkozy has held numerous contacts on the situation in Lebanon in recent days, in particular with Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan, the Emir of Qatar and President Obama.

Concerning recent developments, particularly changes within the Lebanese government, President Sarkozy proposed that a “Contact group” of countries with special ties to Lebanon and the region should pool their efforts to help Lebanon overcome the difficulties she currently faces.

France will continue this dialogue with those countries which have been approached or have expressed their interest in taking part in this informal group, in order to determine with them the content of and practical arrangements for joint action to help preserve Lebanon’s stability while respecting her democratic institutions, sovereignty and independence. A meeting will shortly be proposed.

The United Nations Secretary-General is being kept informed of these steps./.