Report: Arab nations to push for Lebanon solution

French President Emmanuel Macron has held contacts with both caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Speaker Nabih Berri, as well as with the Iranian president and the Saudi crown prince, to push for a “solution” in Lebanon, regardless whether it starts with electing a president or a ceasefire, al-Jadeed TV said.

“It is more likely to reach a ceasefire and then elect a president, seeing as this option ensures that Hezbollah does not appear as a defeated party going to elect a president under fire," sources told al-Jadeed, adding that "the ceasefire decision will start from the Security Council when the time comes."

The sources also revealed that the election of a president might have become imminent, noting that Marada Movement chief Suleiman Franjieh would only withdraw from the race in favor of Army chief General Joseph Aoun, because he “rejects the other candidates, seeing as (Free Patriotic Movement chief Jebran) Bassil and (Lebanese Forces leader Samir) Geagea would seize control of the presidential tenure through them.”

“Notable” efforts have meanwhile started behind the scenes of Arab diplomacy, with the involvement of Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and other countries, al-Jadeed said.

These countries will push for resolving the Lebanese crisis and the details will start emerging in the coming days or hours, the TV network added.