FPM MP says no agreement with LF yet

"There is no agreement yet with the Lebanese Forces," a Free Patriotic Movement MP said.

MP Jimmy Jabbour explained that there is an ongoing dialogue with the LF and that the current situation requires an agreement on a presidential candidate.

The LF and the FPM have been holding talks over the presidential file, and MPs from both parties had said talks are in an advanced stage.

Jabbour added that former finance minister Jihad Azour is not a fait accompli.

Media reports have been reporting that the chances of Azour have surged as he is not vetoed by the LF, the FPM, or the Progressive Socialist Party.

"We are keen on Lebanese unity, and we don't want a provocative candidate, especially someone who would provoke the Shiite duo," Jabbour said, although he admitted the FPM's disagreement with Hezbollah.

The FPM lawmaker also denied an alleged meeting between FPM chief Jebran Bassil and Hezbollah liaison and coordination official Wafiq Safa.