2023-05-11 21:28:23
The French newspaper “Le Monde” reported that “the Maronite leader, who is close to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, is at the heart of the formula tested by Paris to solve the crisis in the country of the Cedars, where the position of head of state has been vacant for seven months. In the race for the Lebanese presidency, the head of the current movement is presented The Marada Suleiman Franjieh is in Beirut as France’s candidate, which the French Foreign Ministry denies.
The French newspaper pointed out that “the Maronite Christian leader is at the heart of the formula that is currently being tested by French diplomats, to get Lebanon out of the impasse following seven months of vacancy in the head of state. So far, no consensus has emerged between the parties in Parliament that are not interested in the consequences of this.” institutional void.
The newspaper pointed out that Suleiman Franjieh is first and foremost the candidate of the Shiite alliance, the Amal Movement and Hezbollah. However, it maintains friendly relations with the Gulf and the United States. Given that his chances have been boosted by the continuing rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Syria, the 57-year-old leader also cites his close relationship with Assad, a childhood friend of his.
The newspaper went on to explain that the French initiative emerged following the meeting in Paris on February 6 between the United States, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt on a presidential roadmap. According to a French diplomat, “Emmanuel Macron chose one of the options that were on the table.” It consisted of a “ticket” between Suleiman Franjieh in the presidency, Nawaf Salam, the judge at the International Court of Justice, and the former Lebanese ambassador to the United Nations in the government.
It is said that the choice of this reformist figure was supported by Riyadh, which requires its reinvestment in the Cedars to implement reforms, especially financial ones. And, “If the prime minister is a reformer, you need a president who balances the political forces and restores the confidence of the international community. Franjieh is the only historical heavyweight in the Christian camp,” continues another French diplomat. The Elysee Palace notes that it is not possible to “act once morest the system” and traditional political forces. The president should be able to negotiate with Hezbollah, the premier party in Parliament, and the Speaker of Parliament, Nabih Berri, to endorse the reforms necessary to restore Lebanon.
A French diplomat confirmed, “Mohammed bin Salman said yes to Macron for Franjieh.” However, Riyadh’s support for Nawaf Salam is no longer as clear as it used to be. And the Saudis repeat to the Christian parties that they will not impose a measure on them.
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