Report: Al-Rahi Says Syrian Officials 'Have Reservations' over Franjieh's Nomination
إقرأ هذا الخبر بالعربية
Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi returned to Lebanon from a pastoral visit to Syria on Monday, where he also discussed the presidential elections, reported al-Joumhouria on Tuesday.
It said that Syrian officials expressed to the patriarch their “reservations” over the potential nomination of Marada Movement chief MP Suleiman Franjieh as president.
Al-Rahi was “surprised” by this stance, added al-Joumhouria.
It explained that Syria's position “came after it had informed a number if its allies in Lebanon that the presidential file is in the hands of Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.”
“This will further complicate the election of Franjieh as the party is still committed to the nomination of its ally Change and Reform bloc chief MP Michel Aoun,” noted al-Joumhouria.
Al-Rahi had met in recent days with Franjieh, Kataeb Party leader MP Sami Gemayel and Free Patriotic Movement chief Jebran Bassil -- Aoun's son-in-law.
Franjieh's chances to reach the Baabda Palace had recently made a dramatic surge in the wake of a Paris meeting between him and Mustaqbal Movement leader ex-PM Saad Hariri.
M.T.
D.A.
08 December 2015, 08:15
83
and Free Patriotic Movement chief Jebran Bassil -- Aoun's son-in-law.
-- Lol like we need to be reminded of that every time
08 December 2015, 08:19
83
"Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi returned to Lebanon from a pastoral visit to Syria on Monday, where he also discussed the presidential elections, reported al-Joumhouria on Tuesday."
-- Lol this is what's wrong with Lebanese politics. The pope was on a pastoral visit, which is a religious function, and he still found a way to talk politics.
08 December 2015, 08:22
82
It explained that Syria's position “came after it had informed a number if its allies in Lebanon that the presidential file is in the hands of Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.”
-- Lmao we have known this for the last two years!!! If it wasn't in Hezbollah's hands, then a president would've been elected!
08 December 2015, 14:14
10
anyway... the political arena b4 the nomination of franjieh...will never be the same after 16th of dec...lawara unfortunatly.
08 December 2015, 15:12
22
"The Lebanese Presidential Filed is in the hand of Hezbollah". So says the Syrians to the Maronite Patriarch. For those who thought it was in KSA or Iran or Washington this must come as a shock.
For those of us who think it should be in the hand of the Lebanese people, it is ironic.
08 December 2015, 15:14
22
Why not General Rakouz? Not Aoun but a Lebanese patriot that served Lebanon with honour?
08 December 2015, 15:17
22
General Rakouz fought Syria, fought the islamist in Lebanon and headed the Lebanese commandos!
I still believe a military coup is needed to cleanse this nation of our political, sectarian disease!
08 December 2015, 15:48
11
Yes Khawajie is also a very good option! General Rakouz is supported by Aoun coz he is his son in law and is respected by all Lebanese parties and most importantly his men... but Khawajie is also an excellent candidate but has just extended his term as commander due to the volatile situation, while Rakouz is now retired.
08 December 2015, 17:01
02
Why not pick a president randomly. In ancient Athens citizens "used randomness to prevent political power from accumulating among the wealthy and the well-born: Through the drawing of lots, they ensured that, in Aristotle’s words, every citizen had experience “ruling and being ruled in turn.”"
