"(Sarkozy said) that he wishes that this date be respected and that a solution on the electoral process be found," presidential spokesman David Martinon told a news conference.

"(Sarkozy told Assad) again that France was more than ever committed to the election of a Lebanese president, a president of a broad appeal," Martinon said.

The presidency has been vacant since November 23 when the term of pro-Syrian Emile Lahoud ended -- the first such hiatus since the 1975-90 civil war.

Lebanon's parliament this week postponed the presidential election until December 22, the ninth such delay, because rival factions were still arguing over how to share power after the army commander becomes head of state.

Agencies

Güncelleme Tarihi: 21 Aralık 2007, 17:24