Pietton Confirms Miqati Wants to Form Balanced, Widely Represented Cabinet

France’s Ambassador to Lebanon Denis Pietton discussed with Premier-designate Najib Miqati on Wednesday the latest developments on the new government formation process.

“Miqati is concerned about forming a balanced government,” Pietton said, telling reporters after the meeting that the administrative appointments require a “balanced and a widely represented government.”

Pietton remarked that the Lebanese economy that is facing a mounting pressure is in need of a new government.

Turning to the issue of the violence in the Ivory Coast, the ambassador stressed that France played a major role through the U.N. to secure the safety of the Lebanese community in the African country.

“We helped in evacuating the Lebanese” fleeing Abidjan to Accra until the Lebanese authorities took responsibility for the evacuation process.

“The French army… did everything possible to help the Lebanese who were facing difficulties,” Pietton said.