NNA - Minister for la Francophonie in the French Government, Yamina Benguigui, met Friday in Nice with the Lebanese delegation partaking in Francophone Games, expressing her country's deep concern and sympathy with the Lebanese and their situation during these crucial days.


Benguigui was commissioned to represent French President Francois Hollande at the OIF (Organisation internationale de la Francophonie) taking place in the French city of Nice and hosting 3300 people from 55 different countries.


"France will be an echo to those young men and women who have spent difficult years within this Francophone space...and their presence here is to defend human values," she said.


She explained that Lebanon's participation in the games was critical, for Lebanon will pass on the Games' torch to France.


"We know the situation is not easy. We think of the Lebanese and know the extent of their suffering under these critical conditions which may lead to sever damage."


==============R.Z.