Naharnet - Berri Tells France Lebanese Believe STL is Politicized as Paris Reaffirms Support for Tribunal - October 27, 2010

Speaker Nabih Berri told French officials that the Lebanese believe the Special Tribunal for Lebanon is politicized. Paris, nevertheless, reaffirmed its support for the Hariri Court.

Berri's remarks came during meetings in Paris with French Prime Minister Francois Fillon and French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner.

As-Safir newspaper described as "cold" Tuesday morning's meeting between Berri and Kouchner.

"The meeting was cold to an extent Berri refused to indulge in Lebanese issues and focused on the gaps in the French diplomatic role towards the Palestinian cause and the Arab-Israeli conflict," As-Safir newspaper wrote.
Evening talks between Berri and Fillon, however, were described by As-Safir as "cordial."
It said the meeting discussed the role France can play to maintains Lebanon stability given its relationship with the U.S. on one hand and with Saudi Arabia and Syria on the other hand.