Report: Presidential Initiative Awaits U.S. Gesture Next Month

Political parties supporting the initiative settlement that suggested the nomination of Marada chief MP Suleiman Franjieh for the post of the presidency, pin hopes on a U.S. mobility that could push the initiative forward, al-Joumhouria daily reported on Friday.

“Parties involved in the settlement are betting on a U.S. action next month that could lead to the passing of the initiative,” well informed sources told the daily.

“However, the parties who rejected it are very likely prepared to take their own steps that could bring the presidential entitlement back to square one,” they added.

“Some officials have even denied the existence of a presidential settlement put forward by al-Mustaqbal Movement chief Saad Hariri, which indicates a regress in the initiative and an attempt by the parties concerned to renounce it,” the sources added on condition of anonymity.

Franjieh emerged as presidential candidate as part of an initiative launched by Hariri aimed at ending the political deadlock in Lebanon.

His potential nomination has been met with reservations from the Kataeb Party, the Free Patriotic Movement and the Lebanese Forces.

Early in December, the U.S. embassy in Lebanon invited several representatives of Christian figures to lunch in a move aimed at envisioning their stances regarding the presidential settlement and the nomination of Franjieh.

It stressed then the need to elect a head of state, highlighting the latest meetings between U.S. Chargé d'Affaires ad interim Richard Jones and several political leaders including the Christian figures to that end.