France welcomes Hariri's decision to stay as Lebanese PM

PARIS, Dec 5 (KUNA) -- French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday said he welcomed the decision by Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri to rescind his resignation as Prime Minister and to fully resume his duties in government.
Macron said in a statement that he had "taken keen note" of the statement earlier by the Lebanese Cabinet meeting presided "exceptionally" by President Michel Aoun to resolve the issues at hand.
The French leader "also noted the reaffirmation by the Lebanese Cabinet of the policy to distance Lebanon from conflicts in the region," the Elysee Palace statement said.
"France remains committed at the side of the Lebanese to pursue action to reinforce the stability, security and sovereignty of Lebanon, working with the authorities of the country and all the international community," the statement added.
In this vein, Macron is convoking an international conference on Lebanon December 8 in Paris to discuss ways of helping the country.
Prime Minister Hariri will attend the meeting, which will also have broad US, European and Middle Eastern participation.
The conference also aims to encourage investment in Lebanon and create a secure and stable environment and to examine other ways to help the country that is suffering a major refugee crisis because of the conflict in neighbouring Syria. (end) jk.ibi