France urges Sleiman to avoid political vacuum in Lebanon

French President Francois Holland urged his Lebanese counterpart Saturday to prevent the country falling into a political vacuum and for the government to continue its mandate. Hollande’s request came in a letter handed to President Michel Sleiman by French Ambassador Patrice Paoli earlier in the day, sources at Baabda Palace told The Daily Star. The message said France urged Lebanon to unite its ranks, prevent falling in the trap of strife, avoid a political vacuum and for the government to carry on its mandate. The letter came hours after Prime Minister Najib Mikati said he suspended his decision to resign and given Sleiman time to consult the National Dialogue Committee on the matter. The Daily Star