Beirut  - French President Nicolas Sarkozy concluded his talks Saturday with Lebanese officials stressing dialogue between rival factions and preserving democracy in the country.

"We believe in Lebanon's future and we have decided to help politically and financially Lebanon," Sarkozy said afterwards.

"I underline president Jacques Chirac's commitment. France is a friend of Lebanon and we will maintain our commitments. We want to help you rebuild a strong, independent Lebanon," he added.

"Your election Mr. President (Michel Suleiman) is a big hope for all the Lebanese," Sarkozy said.

Suleiman said: "The Doha agreement has returned political stability to Lebanon and Lebanon will work on restoring peace just as it will find a settlement to all the political disputes."

"Lebanon appreciates France's support and will fulfil its commitments toward its partners and international institutions," Sarkozy said.

Lebanese leaders from both the ruling majority and the opposition- led Hezbollah attended a banquet at the presidential palace in Baabda, east of Beirut.

According to a French presidential source, the talks had focused "on national dialogue among the rival groups to safeguard the country's independence and democracy."

Sarkozy is the first Western head of state to meet Suleiman since the former army chief was elected on May 25 following an Arab- brokered agreement signed in Qatar last month to end an 18-month political crisis that had brought Lebanon to the brink of civil war.

Sarkozy, who arrived from Greece, was accompanied by Defence Minister Herve Morin, Prime Minister Francois Fillon and Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner.

The delegation also included France's main opposition leaders, Socialist Francois Hollande, the centrist Francois Bayrou, communist Marie-George Buffet and the left-wing radical leader Jean-Michel Baylet.

The ruling UMP party chief and its leader in parliament, Patrick Devedjian and Jean-Francois Cope, are also present, along with former prime minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin.

Sarkozy's office said he had invited opposition leaders to convey a "message of encouragement, of friendship and hope" as Lebanon emerges from months of sectarian strife.

"I am happy to be in Beirut. I came to congratulate President Suleiman and to tell him that Lebanon backs his election and support all factions in Lebanon," Sarkozy said on his arrival at Beirut Airport, adding, "The French-Lebanese are more consolidated than ever."

According to a French embassy source in Beirut, Sarkozy will not be able to visit French troops working with the United Nations Interim Forces in southern Lebanon
(UNIFIL).

"Due to the president's tight schedule the French Defence Minister Herve Morin will visit the troops in southern Lebanon," the source confirmed.

In an interview with Lebanese dailies L'Orient-le jour, An Nahar and As Safir, Sarkozy said: "For too long the situation of blockage and crisis in Lebanon prevented the progressive resumption of a dialogue" but with the election of the new Lebanese president, "Things are perhaps changing. In any case that is what I would like."

"One has to concede that the Doha accord, the election of President Suleiman and the return of Fouad Saniora as prime minister are such developments. I have drawn the conclusions and I have called Assad to tell him of my desire to see the continued implementation of the accord," he added.

But he continued: "Our demand for truth and justice concerning the political assassinations perpetrated in Lebanon is intact."

He was referring to the 2005 assassination of Rafik Hariri which an international inquiry commission has blamed on top officials in Syrian security services.

Sarkozy said: "The international community is determined to help Lebanon turn the page on political assassinations. The setting up of a special tribunal is making rapid progress. This is an irreversible process and the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council apply to everybody."

Meanwhile, the streets of Beirut were decorated with French and Lebanese flags as tight security measures were observed on main roads leading to Beirut airport and the palace.

Sarkozy is also due to meet French nationals residing in Lebanon before his departure. (dpa)