August 2, 2010 - Naharnet - Paris Pessimistic About Lebanon's Future Despite Visits of Arab Leaders

Paris is worried about the recent tension that erupted in Lebanon following reports that the international tribunal would indict Hizbullah members, French sources told pan-Arab daily Asharq al-Awsat in remarks published Monday.
The sources expressed fears that a political crisis would erupt by the withdrawal of Hizbullah, Amal and Free Patriotic Movement ministers from the government.

This would paralyze the state and the boycotting parties would unleash accusations about the unconstitutionality of the government, the sources added.

Although Paris welcomed the visits of Saudi King Abdullah and Syrian President Bashar Assad to Beirut, well-informed sources told Asharq al-Awsat that they didn't believe the visits would guarantee a stable future for Lebanon.

France seems to be adopting the same stance of Egypt which is also "expressing concern" over the course of things in Lebanon, the newspaper said.