Bukhari says 'observations' on Franjieh clarified, urges president 'this month'

Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Walid Bukhari has told the majority-Sunni National Moderation parliamentary bloc that “Saudi Arabia has no veto on anyone nor a veto on Suleiman Franjieh,” a media report said.

Asked whether his meeting with Franjieh has “dispelled his country’s concerns,” Bukhari told the bloc, according to al-Liwaa newspaper, that he has “no concerns over Franjieh, but rather some observations that have been clarified.”

The Saudi ambassador also stressed the need to “finalize the presidential election as soon as possible, specifically before the end of this month,” al-Liwaa added.

Senior Hezbollah sources meanwhile told the daily that the Bukhari-Franjieh meeting was “excellent” and that it was a “positive indication regarding the transformations that the presidential file is witnessing, specifically as to the kingdom’s stance on Franjieh as a certain president for the republic.”

The sources added that the meeting was “part of the preparatory steps for ending the presidential vacuum,” noting that “clearer stances and steps are expected to follow and will help those hesitant over Franjieh’s nomination to change their stance or to at least secure quorum in parliament for his election.”

Shiite Duo sources meanwhile told al-Liwaa that efforts are underway to “secure consensus among the Lebanese blocs opposed to Franjieh over a candidate for confronting him” and that a presidential election session would be held after the Arab Summit that Saudi Arabia will host on May 19.