Juppe Fears the Syrian Uprising Would Impact Lebanon

French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe called the Lebanese to speed up the formation of the cabinet in order to guarantee the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country.

“Keeping our contacts with our Lebanese allies” is our sole key to help in the cabinet formation, Juppe said in an interview with pan-Arab daily al-Hayat published on Saturday.

He feared that the Syrian uprising would have a negative effect on the Lebanese situation for both countries share a heritage of close ties.

Juppe hoped that the impending government would respect the independence of the international tribunal that will try ex-premier Rafik Hariri’s suspected assassins.

Moreover, he considered the presence of peacekeeping forces in southern Lebanon as a stabilizing factor for the region and Lebanon. “It is necessary today to adjust the specific role of this force and its relationship with the Lebanese army,” Juppe said.

Regarding a possible visit to Lebanon, the minister told al-Hayat that he did not schedule any visit yet but he might come to Beirut soon.