Sources in Baabda confirm Hollande’s visit to Beirut

Informed sources in the Presidential Palace in Beirut said that the French President, Francois Hollande, will visit Beirut Sunday November 4 to hold talks with his Lebanese counterpart Michel Sleiman Sources told Arabstoday that President Hollande will arrive early Sunday, have breakfast with the Lebanese President and then hold a press conference before leaving. This came after informed diplomatic sources in the French Embassy in Beirut denied information about this visit. Sources said that communication was opened between Beirut and Paris to continue the exclusive story published by Beirut newspaper “Assafir” mentioning that Hollande will have a quick business trip to Lebanon on Sunday which will last about three hours. The newspaper added that a bilateral summit will be held with President Michel Sleiman, followed by a broad meeting and a joint press conference. According to the newspaper, Hollande will arrive in the morning from Saudi Arabia and leave at noon after the reception ceremony in the Presidential Palace. A source said that the visit has special importance as it represents constant and strong solidarity and expresses France's support to the Lebanese constitutional institutions. The source added, that it stresses on protecting the national unity, supporting Sleiman’s leadership, efforts and the continuity of the work of the institutions to maintain security and stability in Lebanon.