France cuts off Syrian talks

FRANCE is cutting off talks with Syria until Damascus shows its willingness to let Lebanon elect a new president, said French president Nicolas Sarkozy.

Lebanon’s Western- backed government and pro-Syrian opposition have been unable to break a deadlock over filling the presidential post, empty for a month, and many Western countries have accused Damascus of interfering in the process — a claim Syria denies.

“I will not have any more contact with the Syrians until... we have received proof of Syria’s intention to let Lebanon designate a president of consensus,” said Mr Sarkozy in Cairo after meeting with Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak.

France, Lebanon’s former colonial ruler, has led the international effort to mediate between feuding Lebanese politicians and has consistently implored the Syrians to co-operate.

Syrian information minister Mohsen Bilal called Mr Sarkozy’s comments “surprising”, telling Syrian state television that Damascus was “working with France to reach an agreement on a president who represents all Lebanese”.

Mr Sarkozy also called on Israel to halt construction in Jewish settlements as a gesture to push forward peace negotiations with the Palestinians.