French Prime Minister Francois Fillon calls on Beirut authorities to engage in talks with neighboring Syria in an attempt to protect Lebanese sovereignty and solve the country's problems.

"It is illusionary to think that all regional problems, including Lebanon, can be solved without dialogue with the Syrians or with countries that have influence over the situation," Fillon said on Monday at the end of his Lebanon visit.

He also urged the Lebanese political leaders to break a deadlock over forming a government that has been held up for more than three months now.

Fillon said that a cabinet should be formed in order for Lebanon to continue making diplomatic progress, including the implementation of a number of constitutional reforms.

"Forming the government will set an example for the countries in the region concerning the importance of democracy," he said. "The people have voted and are now waiting that a government be formed in order to engage in the reforms Lebanon needs. I have asked the French delegation to maintain the current spirit of dialogue."

The French diplomat, meanwhile, reiterated France's support for the unity among the Lebanese, the country's independence and stability. He added that the 2,000-strong French peacekeepers operating as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) seek to realize such ends.

Fillon in addition made references to France's support for the Special Tribunal for Lebanon which seeks to bring assassins of former prime minister Rafik Hariri to justice.

Hariri was assassinated on February 14, 2005, when explosives equivalent to around 1,000 kilograms of TNT were detonated as his motorcade drove past the St. George Hotel in the Lebanese capital, Beirut.

Many people in Beirut accuse Damascus of being involved in the bombing. Syria, however, has vehemently denied the charges.

MP/SS/MMN