Bkerki denies Saudi veto on Franjieh during Bukhari-Rahi meeting

Bkerki’s spokesperson Walid Ghayad said Thursday that Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Walid Bukhari did not discuss with Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi the names of any presidential candidates, in a meeting they had Tuesday in Bkerki.

Ghayad told al-Jadeed TV that Bukhari did not support or oppose the election of any candidate, but rather mentioned the qualifications needed in a president.

Al-Akhbar newspaper had claimed Wednesday that Bukhari had openly told al-Rahi that his country refuses the nomination of Marada leader Suleiman Franjieh for presidency. On Thursday, the daily went on to say that Bukhari had already informed French Ambassador to Lebanon Anne Grillo about the Saudi objection on Franjieh.

"It has also been reported that the Saudis had informed the four other parties during Paris meeting of their opposition to Franjieh's election," al-Akhbar said.

Bukhari only urged on Tuesday for the election of an uncorrupt president who can save the country, Ghayad said, adding that al-Rahi has no specific candidate as well, and that Bkerki is "at the same distance from everyone."