BEIRUT: Former French President Francois Hollande Thursday wrapped up a two-day visit to Lebanon after meeting with top Lebanese officials to discuss matters relating to Lebanese sovereignty, the Syrian war and CEDRE reforms.
Thursday morning, Hollande met President Michel Aoun at Baabda Palace to discuss Lebanon’s domestic situation and the pledged grants and soft loans made by the international community at the CEDRE conference, held in Paris last April to boost Lebanon’s infrastructure and economy.
The pair discussed Lebanon’s preparations to implement the conference’s recommendations that include reforms necessary to strengthen the Lebanese economy, according to a statement from Aoun’s office.
“Europe and France, in particular, are aware that Lebanon is a fragile country, and political support must be provided for it to avoid the negative impacts of the region,” Hollande told An-Nahar newspaper in an interview published Thursday.
Later in the day, Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Joumblatt held a ceremony in honor of Hollande at his Mukhtara residence.
Hollande gave a speech, stating that Lebanon “represents a model to the world in a region plagued by wars. You have successfully established peace, security and unity.”
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2019/Mar-08/478313-hollande-lebanon-a-model-for-the-region.ashx