Sarkozy: Unacceptable for Lebanon to Drown in Cycle of Violence

French President Nicolas Sarkozy reiterated support for Lebanon's independence and sovereignty and said it was "unacceptable for Lebanon to drown again in the cycle of violence."

In his opening of the 18th conference of French ambassadors at the Elysee palace on Wednesday, Sarkozy also reiterated support for President Michel Suleiman and Premier Saad Hariri.

"All of Lebanon's neighbors should back and respect its sovereignty," the French president said.

Paris "is working for stability in a diverse Lebanon where all sects should coexist," he told the audience of French diplomats.

Turning to Iran, he said the Islamic republic was "nourishing terrorism and extremism in the region."