Report: Bukhari told MPs no objection on Franjieh
Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon walid Bukhari has informed a number of MPs he met that Saudi Arabia is not against the election of Marada leader Suleiman Franjieh as president, al-Liwaa newspaper said.
Sources told the daily, in remarks published Friday that Saudi Arabia has no objection on Franjieh or any other candidate, but rather cares about the president's program and how he will address the political and economic challenges.
Bukhari has recently met with Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblat, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi.
He told al-Rahi that his country urges for the election of an uncorrupt president who can save the country, and told reporters after his meeting with Berri that there is "certainly" something positive for Lebanon.
The Saudi ambassador will reportedly meet in the upcoming hours with French officials in Paris to discuss the Lebanese financial crisis and the presidential file.
17 March 2023, 16:00
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Saudi Arabia got what it wanted from Iran and in return is throwing Lebanon to the wolves. Who can blames it as every country must take care of its own interest. Unfortunately, this deal is short sided as it will be a blow to the reformist in Iran and will insure Lebanon turns into Hizbollastan. Maybe a short win for Saudi Arabia but will certainly pay a heavy price in the long term as neither Iran radicals nor the criminal Hizbollah can be trusted to obey by any rules or agreements. Just like Assad, they perfected the long drain approach to get what they want at the end... and this always more control and oppression, and never to benefit their community or country. Sad but true! On the other hand, sovereign Lebanese don't need Saudi, US or France to liberate Lebanon from the Basij if they just unite and remember what Cedar Revolution I has achieved can be duplicated with Cedar Revolution II. Lebanon is dying and it is a crime not to help!
17 March 2023, 21:49
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I'm a "so-called" Shia and I agree. This country cannot be a scapegoat for regional deals and is too valuable to become an Iranian pawn or Nasrallah tool.
