Report: Intense Talks at Maarab as LF Seeks to Preserve Christian, March 14 Camp's Interests

The latest developments linked to the presidential elections have been the focus of a series of talks between various officials at Maarab, the residence of Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea, al-Joumhouria newspaper reported on Thursday.

An LF source told the daily: “The party places the interests of Christians as a priority, along with those of the March 14 alliance and Lebanese people in general.”

“This is demonstrated through all of the sacrifices that the LF has made in parliamentary and ministerial posts for the sake of Lebanon and its independence and sovereignty,” it noted.

“A president will not be elected without our approval and the approval of other Christian factions,” it stressed.

Meanwhile, LF MP Georges Adwan told An Nahar daily that the LF is “closely monitoring the developments in Lebanon with all concerned sides.”

“We always seek a settlement over a project that would save Lebanon and which abides by the constitution and law,” he continued.

“This plan should believe in stability and keep our country away from regional axes and meddling in the affairs of others,” he explained.

The latest developments to resolve the presidential deadlock saw the emergence of Marada Movement leader MP Suleiman Franjieh as a candidate despite the disapproval of the Christian blocs of the LF, Kataeb, and Change and Reform.

Change and Reform bloc leader MP Michel Aoun is a presidential candidate as is Geagea.

Media reports have spoken of a rift between Geagea and his ally MP Saad Hariri, both of whom are in the March 14 alliance, seeing as the lawmaker has been spearheading efforts to nominate Franjieh as president.