Report: Riyadh Opposes Meddling in Lebanon's Affairs, Keen on Preserving its Stability

Saudi Arabian officials were not informed of the meeting between Mustaqbal Movement chief MP Saad Hariri and Marada Movement leader MP Suleiman Franjieh, stressing however that it is keen on the “situation of Christians in Lebanon”, reported al-Joumhouria newspaper on Wednesday.

A diplomatic source told the daily: “Riyadh will not agree to the presidential candidacy of anyone who opposes the main views of the Christian ranks in Lebanon, especially Lebanese Forces head Samir Geagea.”

“Riyadh does not like to interfere in Lebanon's internal affairs, but it is keen on preserving its stability on the condition that this stability does not take place at the expense of its sovereignty,” it added.

“It is eager to maintain the status quo in the country in anticipation of the developments in Syria. The kingdom will therefore not take any measure that would fall in the favor of the resistance forces at the expense of the sovereign ones,” it explained.

“Saudi Arabia is also keen on preserving and strengthening the Christian ranks in Lebanon, not as a balancing factor between Sunnis and Shiites in Lebanon, but because Christians are the most adamant about protecting the country's sovereignty,” stated the source.

“Riyadh therefore advises the election of a consensual president, who can ride the wave of transition in Syria, whereas the election of a March 8 or 14 figure may threaten the points mentioned above,” added the source to al-Joumhouria.

Lebanon has been without a president since May 2014 when the term of Michel Suleiman ended without the election of a successor.

Ongoing disputes between the rival March 8 and 14 alliances over a consensual candidate have thwarted the polls.

A meeting held between Hariri and Franjieh last week has sparked media and political speculation that the Marada Movement leader may be a presidential candidate.