Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri received a message from his French counterpart, Lionel Jospin, on Thursday, stressing France’s commitment to helping Lebanon conclude a partnership agreement with the European Union.
The message was delivered by French Ambassador Philippe Lecourtier during a meeting at the Grand Serail, reported the Daily Star.
“Lebanon needs Europe the same way that Europe needs Lebanon,” the ambassador said. “For relations to flourish the agreement has to be signed soon to allow the free exchange of goods.”
Lecourtier said the agreement would probably be signed before the end of summer, indicating the expected July 31 deadline would not be met.
Economy Minister Basil Fuleihan, who was in Brussels this week discussing the agreement, returned home Thursday.
He reported progress in narrowing some differences, but admitted that “one or two” more rounds of negotiations were needed before concluding the agreement, said the paper.
The main sticking points include EU restrictions on agricultural imports and certificates of origin for Lebanese goods manufactured with imported raw material.
Fuleihan said textiles were a hurdle, since the Europeans were reluctant to import a product of which they have a surplus – Albawaba.com
