Paris begins new presidential talks with Christians, Gulf states

France will launch direct dialogue with influential Christian forces and leaders because it “does not trust the seriousness of (Suleiman) Franjieh’s rivals for agreeing on a candidate,” a media report said on Monday.

“After Paris’ invitation of Kataeb Party chief Sami Gemayel, efforts were made to address a similar invitation to Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea, who declined it because he knew that the agenda was not suitable for him,” al-Akhbar newspaper reported.

“Paris will continue the discussions with the rest of the leaders, especially with Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi and Free Patriotic Movement chief Jebran Bassil, in an attempt to convince the first to bless Franjieh’s election as president and to urge MPs to attend the vote,” the daily said.

It will also seek to convince Bassil to “endorse the settlement and vote for Franjieh, or to refrain from blocking quorum while casting blank votes,” al-Akhbar added.

Moreover, France will exert efforts with Saudi Arabia and Qatar so that they don’t obstruct its endeavor and the French are hoping to transform Riyadh’s stance from “negative neutrality” into “positive neutrality,” the daily said. “This would allow Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblat to invent a formula allowing Franjieh to get some of his bloc’s votes,” al-Akhbar said.

“France is also hoping that Saudi Arabia’s ‘positive neutrality’ would help the hesitant Sunni, independent and Change MPs to take the stance of endorsing Franjieh,” the daily added.