Report: Le Drian won't carry a solution for Lebanon

An Arab diplomat has ruled out the possibility that French presidential envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian might carry ideas aimed at resolving Lebanon’s presidential crisis during his upcoming visit to Beirut.

“In his meetings with political leaders and some spiritual leaders, Le Drian will ask a host of questions to explore the reasons behind the continued obstruction of the presidential election and the steps needed to restore regularity in state institutions,” the diplomat, who asked not to be named, told Saudi Arabia’s Asharq al-Awsat newspaper.

“He prefers to listen to those whom he will meet with before submitting his report to French President (Emmanuel) Macron, who will take the decision that he believes is the most appropriate,” the diplomat added.

He also said that Le Drian would seek to mend the rift between Paris and Lebanon’s Christian forces, which had started after France backed Suleiman Franjieh’s presidential nomination.