Mustaqbal Delegation Returns to Beirut after Meeting Hariri in Riyadh

A Mustaqbal Movement delegation returned overnight to Beirut aboard a private jet after a short visit to the Saudi capital Riyadh, the state-run National News Agency reported on Friday.

The news agency said that the delegation, which was headed by head of al-Mustaqbal parliamentary bloc MP Fouad Saniora, discussed with the movement's chief Saad Hariri the latest developments in Lebanon.

The delegation was comprised of Interior Minister Nouhad al-Mashnouq, ex-MP Ghattas Khoury, an adviser to Hariri, ex-MP Bassem al-Sabaa, and the director of Hariri's office in Beirut Nader Hariri.

The delegation's arrival in Beirut coincided with the return of Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea to Lebanon after a five-day official visit to Riyadh, were he met with prominent Saudi officials and Hariri.

Media reports have said that the delegation headed to Riyadh to discuss with Hariri Geagea's possible withdrawal from the presidential run.

Hariri held talks with Geagea on Tuesday.

A statement issued by Hariri's office said the meeting underlined the need to “continue consultations and discussions aimed at overcoming the current political crisis and electing a president as soon as possible.”

The LF leader had arrived in the Gulf kingdom on Sunday.

Free Patriotic Movement chief MP Michel Aoun is still the candidate of the March 8 camp in the face of Geagea, the nominee of the March 14 forces.

Political differences and the rivalry between the two men have led to a lack of quorum in 16 electoral sessions in parliament, amid a boycott by the MPs of Aoun and Hizbullah.

The presidential seat has been vacant since President Michel Suleiman's term ended on May 25.

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