Beirut, Feb 21 .- Far-right French presidential candidate Marine le Pen concluded on Tuesday a controversial visit to Lebanon, amid criticism of her stance on Syria.

In a press conference held before heading to the Arab country, the leader of the French National Front party denied that she supports Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, but insisted that there is no alternative to the current Syrian regime.

According to French media, Le Pen said France will benefit more from al-Assad remaining in power.

Her remarks were criticized by several political leaders such as Lebanese Druze leader, Walid Jumblatt, chairman of the Lebanese Forces, Samir Geagea, and Sami Gemayel, head of the Kataeb Party.

During her visit, Le Pen met with President Michel Aoun, Prime Minister Saad Hariri, Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil and the head of the Maronite Church Bechara Boutros al-Rahi.

However, she had to cancel her meeting with the Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, head of the top religious authority for Sunni Muslims in the country, after refusing to wear a headscarf, which was required by the religious body.

The right-wing candidate is favored to pass the first round of the French presidential elections on April 23. (EFE)