Paris achieves 'major breakthrough' in KSA stance on Lebanon

A new round of Saudi-French contacts was held last week and the French managed to make a “major breakthrough” in Riyadh’s stance on the Lebanese presidential file, a media report said on Wednesday.

“We have never heard from Saudi Arabia of a veto on (Suleiman) Franjieh, but today we heard a call for an open dialogue over the details of this settlement and how to finalize it in a way that makes everyone a winner,” al-Akhbar newspaper quoted Paris as telling Lebanese political forces.

“Days ago, Franjieh himself received French calls that put him in the picture of the positive outcome of the latest French contacts with Saudi Arabia, with Paris calling on him to make a practical step,” the daily added.

“Franjieh found that Bkirki would be the most appropriate place to deliver what can be called his nomination speech,” a move that he did make on Tuesday, al-Akhbar said, adding that Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi was pleased with what he heard from Franjieh.

“Lebanon has entered a new phase and it might not take long before the full picture becomes clear,” the newspaper added, noting that “Franjieh’s chances have largely surged.”