Asiri Says Franjieh's Nomination was Lebanese Initiative, Urges Christian Talks

Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Awadh Asiri noted Thursday that Marada Movement chief MP Suleiman Franjieh's nomination for the presidency was a purely Lebanese initiative, adding that the kingdom “encourages” any efforts aimed at ending the presidential void.

“We hope to see a constructive dialogue among the Christian forces and we hope the results will be fruitful and quick,” the envoy said after meeting Kataeb Party chief MP Sami Gemayel in Bikfaya.

Commenting on the flurry of political talks over Franjieh's candidacy, Asiri added: “There has been a national initiative from influential political forces in the country to choose a presidential candidate and there are also objections from certain parties, that's why we must encourage the parties to achieve results and we are keen on ending the vacuum.”

“Saudi Arabia has not and will not nominate any candidate for the presidency … The nomination was an inter-Lebanese initiative and we only supported the step and inter-Christian dialogue is needed in this regard,” the ambassador went on to say.

He noted that the situation in the country “requires the speedy election of a president.”

The new momentum in the country followed a Paris meeting between Franjieh and al-Mustaqbal movement leader ex-PM Saad Hariri, who is close to Riyadh.

The meeting sparked intense speculation that the two leaders agreed to the nomination of the Marada chief for the presidency.

Hariri has also met in Paris with Gemayel and Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat.

Y.R.