Pietton Reiterates French Commitment to Equip Lebanese Army

French Ambassador Denis Pietton said Wednesday that he reiterated to Premier Saad Hariri French commitment to support and provide equipment to the Lebanese army.

After meeting with Premier Saad Hariri at the Grand Serail, Pietton said he delivered to the prime minister a letter from his French counterpart Francois Fillon in which he reiterated Paris' commitment to help the Lebanese military.

In comments to reporters, the ambassador said his visit to Hariri came as part of French efforts to guarantee stability in Lebanon.

Pietton also lauded the efforts of President Michel Suleiman and Hariri to invite cabinet ministers for a meeting, after almost a month of standstill.

"This is a courageous decision because it should help re-launch (state) institutions and hopefully end the paralysis," the ambassador told reporters.

He urged all Lebanese parties to act responsibly and differentiate between the cabinet and the indictment that will be issued by the international tribunal.