France held talks with Iran to help Lebanon overcome its economic crisis, however, Tehran said it was assessing the current situation in the country, without giving any clear response over the matter, diplomatic sources in Paris told Asharq Al-Awsat.
France is also holding talks with several Arab countries to pave the way for Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab to visit them after Paris heard that some of these states did not welcome the new government, considering that pro-Iranian parties were behind its formation, according to the same sources.
Earlier, talks between Lebanese Foreign Minister Nassif Hitti and his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian discussed ways that France could help Lebanon exit its current economic crisis.
During the talks, Le Drian assured that his country would not allow Lebanon's economy to collapse, however, he also stressed the need to carry out the required reforms, especially regarding the electricity and corruption issues.
As for the French message to the Lebanese people, it called on them to do everything possible to prevent provocative and violent acts to safeguard the citizens' right to demonstrate peacefully.
