The Lebanese foreign minister quoted French President Emmanuel Macron as saying that he was “making all necessary contacts with all concerned parties” in order to find a solution to the crisis caused by the resignation of Prime Minister Saad Hariri. FM Jebran Bassil’s comments came following his meeting on Tuesday at the Elysee Palace with the French president, who attaches special importance to the Lebanese issue, and hopes, according to Bassil, that efforts would lead to “finding a quick exit” based on France’s good relations with all parties. On Thursday, Macron met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for three hours at Riyadh airport. He is also holding consultations with regional and international actors in order to find an acceptable solution for the crisis that resulted from Hariri’s resignation and to protect Lebanon from repercussions that could destabilize it. In an address to the members of Parliament, French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe underlined the importance of “the commitment of the Lebanese parties to the respect for civil peace, and keeping Lebanon away from regional crises.” According to the French premier, France “works with all the Lebanese parties and with all those who have influence on Lebanon until the situation returns to normal.” But Philippe places a large part of responsibility on the Lebanese people themselves, who he said “must respect civil peace, keep Lebanon out of regional crises and avoid intervening in the affairs of others,” adding: “This is necessary for Lebanon and for all communities.” Foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian is due in the Saudi capital Riyadh on Wednesday to discuss the crisis and is expected to meet Hariri.