LOC22:26
19:26 GMT
PARIS, June 18 (KUNA) -- France on Thursday expressed concern over the growing social unrest that has sometimes turned violent in Lebanon and it urged all parties to avoid provocations.
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Agnes Von Der Muhll said that France "is concerned about the deep deterioration of the economic and social situation in Lebanon" and about the violence that has taken place in recent days.
She urged that the right to peacefully protest be guaranteed by Lebanese authorities.
"The multiplication of incidents places the Lebanese authorities face-to-face with their responsibilities, which are first of all to respond to the legitimate aspirations of the Lebanese people and to implement without delay the reforms essential for the country's recovery," the spokeswoman remarked.
"It is up to the Government and all Lebanese political actors to assume their responsibilities by putting the general interest of the Lebanese people before any other concern," she added.
She urged "concrete acts" that are long overdue and noted that these are necessary to get the support of France and the international community.
"France reiterates its attachment to the sovereignty, stability and security of Lebanon, which is essential to dissociate it from regional crises," Von Der Muhll stated, adding that Paris supports the action of the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon and calls for full respect for the decisions of the UN Security Council, in particular resolutions 1559 and 1701.
"It is on this basis that France is ready, with its partners, to support Lebanon. France stands, today, as in all circumstances, alongside the Lebanese people," she stressed. (end)
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