France vows to preserve Christian, minority interests

French President Francois Hollande said his country will strive to preserve the interests of Christian communities and other minorities in the Middle East and work toward peace in Syria, in a letter sent to Catholic Patriarch Gregorius III Lahham Tuesday. In his letter, Holland said that he is certain that the Christians of the East have a role to play in the current changes in the Arab world and that only full citizenship in a state of law and order can ensure their security and prosperity,” he added. Hollande’s remarks came in response to Lahham’s letter congratulating the president on winning the French elections earlier this year. The French president also vowed that his country would continue to play an effective role for peace in the Middle East. He said that France will work tirelessly for a halt to the violence and for peace. Hollande added that he is confident that peace will be achieved and that it will be followed by an organized political transition to democracy backed by the international community.”