Bou Saab says Geagea against 'traditional' dialogue but open to consultations

Deputy Speaker Elias Bou Saab met Tuesday with Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea to discuss with him the possibility of holding a dialogue between parties or parliamentary blocs over the presidential file.

"Geagea is open to any consultation, communication or agreement with all parties without exception," Bou Saab said after the meeting. But the LF leader is not convinced of a "traditional" dialogue table, he added.

Amal and Hezbollah have been calling for a dialogue although they officially say they would not stop supporting their presidential candidate, Marada leader Suleiman Franjieh.

French Envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian arrived last month in Beirut for talks with Lebanese leaders in an attempt to break the presidential impasse.

On Sunday, French Ambassador to Lebanon Anne Grillo said Le Drian's mission is very clear, it is "to create conditions for a peaceful dialogue between the Lebanese parties who do not speak to each other."

Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea said last week he would not waste time on a vain dialogue with Hezbollah and asked Le Drian not to call for it.