BEIRUT, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- France has sent a high-ranking envoy to resume its diplomatic initiative for breaking Lebanese political deadlock, local newspaper The Daily Star reported on Friday.

    "The initiative started two months ago continues with the same goals and France will be alongside Lebanon and support dialogue, understanding and accord," visiting French envoy Jean-Claude Cousseran was quoted as saying after meeting Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Seniora on Thursday.

    It was the second visit by the French envoy within one month. "My mission is clear and it is confined to preparing for (French Foreign) Minister (Bernard) Kouchner's visit to Lebanon and to meet with the various political factions to keep informed of the latest developments in Lebanon," Cousseran said.

    Cousseran said he would meet with representatives of political parties that have taken part in the national dialogue.

    Later on Thursday, Cousseran met Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri during which the French envoy expressed his hope that presidential elections would be held within the time set by the constitution.

    The French envoy also met Lebanese Democratic Gathering leader MP Walid Jumblatt and Public Works Minister Mohammad al-Safadi. He plans to meet Change and Reform Bloc leader Michel Aoun on Friday.

    Lebanon has been in political impasse since six pro-Syrian ministers quit the cabinet in last November as a result of power struggle between parliament majority and opposition blocs.

    France has taken the lead in trying to resolve the crisis, gathering all the Lebanese rival parties for a conference near Paris in July and sending Cousseran to the region for consultations with the key players.