France freezes Syria contacts
Lebanon's problems remain as the search for a new president continues
Sunday, 30, Dec 2007 07:08
French leadership on Lebanon's future took another step forward today as Nicolas Sarkozy suspended diplomatic contacts with Syria.
Lebanon has been without a president since November 23rd when incumbent Emile Lahoud, who was backed by Syria, stepped down. Political deadlock has prevented the choosing of a successor.
Mr Sarkozy has led the international community's effort to seek a way out of the impasse and analysts say today's move shows frustration with previously failed efforts.
"I will not have any more contact with the Syrians until... we have received proof of Syria's intention to let Lebanon appoint a president of consensus," the French president said.
He pressed Damascus to match its words with actions, claiming its "influence" in Lebanon placed it in a position to end the crisis.
Syrian support in Lebanon remains high and its links with the militant Hizbullah group are well-known. A two-thirds quorum is required for the presidential vote but efforts to reach agreement have been unsuccessful so far.
Talks are now underway to appoint a neutral interim president. Army commander General Michel Suleiman's candidacy for a temporary position requires a change of Lebanon's constitution, however.
Meanwhile commentators have said Mr Sarkozy's stance on the issue, coming as he pushes his Mediterranean Union proposals, shows the French leader growing in presence on the world stage.
He made today's announcement at a meeting with Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak.