Beirut - Top advisor to French President Nicolas Sarkozy, Henry Guaino, held talks in Beirut Saturday, handing a message of friendship and support in Lebanese efforts to form a government. Presidential palace sources said that in his talks with President Michel Suleiman, Guaino stressed the need for Lebanon to steer clear of "foreign influences" during efforts to form a cabinet.
Guaino also met Christian Maronite community head Patriarch Nasrallah Butros Sfeir, and is due to meet with Speaker Nabih Berri, caretaker premier Fouad Seniora and premier-designate Saad Hariri during his three-day visit.
Guaino's meetings coincide with a similar visit by the Elysee Palace's Secretary-General Claude Gueant to Damascus on Sunday.
Lebanese media said Gueant's mission included following up contacts between Syrian officials and some Lebanese leaders, and urging Damascus to help form a cabinet in not more than 10 days.
A government source said Sarkozy was making every attempt to help end the cabinet crisis in Lebanon and will not stop efforts until agreement is reached among bickering parties on a government lineup.
Hariri has been struggling to form a cabinet in Lebanon that includes all rival Lebanese factions since his followers won the majority in June at the Lebanese parliament.
