NNA - French Ambassador to Lebanon, Patrice Paoli, expressed his country's continuous support to Lebanon, saying that France stands besides its friends in Lebanon through "thick and thin!"


"In the heart of all French people is a special place for Lebanon," said Paoli, expressing his country's keen concern for Lebanon and the Lebanese all throughout history, especially in the most difficult of times. He added that the most unique ties link both countries together, within the context of mutual respect, shared values and diversity.


Paoli's words came during his delivered speech at the reception held on the occasion of "French National Day" at the Pine Palace in Beirut on Sunday.


The French Ambassador highlighted the Lebanese points of strength, which lie mainly in their continuous trust in their nation's steadfastness in the face of struggles and difficulties, he noted. "Dialogue, listening to and acknowledging the other is necessary," added Paoli; stressing on Lebanon's gift of diversity and openness and the virtues of forgiveness and kindness of its people.


"This is the Lebanon that is loved by the French," said Paoli.


Attending the event at the Pine Palace on Sunday evening was a huge crowd of officials and prominent figures, which included Caretaker Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Minister Adnan Mansour, representing President Michel Sleiman and Caretaking PM Najib Mikati; Dr. Mahmoud Berri representing House Speaker Nabih Berri; former Speaker Hussein Husseini; Caretaking Ministers Marwan Charbel, Walid Daouk, Shakib Qortbawi, Gabi Layyoun and Hasan Diab; MP's Mohamad Hajjar, Ghassan Mkheiber, Ncoula Fattoush, Nuwar Sahili, Simon Abi Ramia, Alain Aoun, Nuhad Mashnouq, Ammar Moussawi, Marwan Fares, and French Deputy Alain Marceau.


A large number of other prominent political, religious, social and educational figures also attended.


=============== R.Sh.