After that Lebanese businessman Najib Mikati ensured enough votes in parliamentary consultations on Monday and has been designated as the next Prime Minister, the French Embassy issued a statement by a spokeswoman for the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding “the designation of Mr. Najib Mikati.”

“France has taken account of the election of Mr. Najib Mikati as Prime Minister by the Lebanese Parliament,” it said. “Now is the time to build an effective government capable of carrying out the required reforms for the country’s resurrection, as all Lebanese demand. France urges all Lebanese officials to take steps in this direction as soon as possible and to take responsibility for their actions. France, for its part, will continue to support the Lebanese, as it has done in the past.”

Following the appointment of Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for the formation of a reformist government in Lebanon.