Berri 'satisfied' with Franjieh-Durel meeting outcome

Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri is satisfied with the outcome of Marada leader Suleiman Franjieh's visit to Paris, al-Akhbar newspaper reported Thursday.

The daily said that Franjieh had briefed Berri about his visit to France, over a phone call.

Franjieh had met last week in Paris French presidential advisor for North Africa and the Middle East Patrick Durel.

Berri's visitors told al-Akhbar that the talks were positive and showed that "doors are not closed."

France will discuss Franjieh's answers to certain questions with Saudi Arabia, the visitors quoted Berri as saying.

Annahar had earlier reported that Durel had obtained Paris-demanded “guarantees” from Franjieh and will discuss them with the Saudis.

Former lawmaker and minister Franjieh is close to Hezbollah and a personal friend of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad.

His grandfather and namesake was president when Lebanon's 1975-1990 civil war broke out.

"We need a president who can talk to everyone, including Syria and Hezbollah," Berri said.

Franjieh has not officially announced his candidacy, but Hezbollah and Amal have officially nominated him.