Sarkozy Warns Syria: Lebanon is an Independent Country, Tribunal Must Complete Its Work

French President Nicolas Sarkozy warned Syria that Lebanon is an independent country and said the international tribunal must complete its work “until the end.”

“Lebanon is Syria’s neighbor and France relies on this friendship to tell Syria that Lebanon is an independent country and must remain independent; and the Special Tribunal for Lebanon must complete its work until the end,” Sarkozy said in remarks published Tuesday by pan-Arab Asharq al-Awsat newspaper.

During a press conference held on Monday at the Elysee Palace, Sarkozy reiterated France’s refusal that Lebanon be used to serve foreign interests.

Sarkozy said he was committed to an initiative he launched earlier this month that calls for the formation of a “contact group” to resolve the Lebanon crisis.