Berri expects Le Drian to visit Lebanon in mid-July after regional tour

French envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian would likely return to Lebanon between July 16 and July 17, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said.

The Speaker told al-Akhbar newspaper, in remarks published Thursday, that Le Drian's visit might be preceded by a tour of countries in the region, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and "probably Iran."

Al-Akhbar had earlier reported that France is willing to propose adding Iran to the five-nation group on Lebanon -- which comprises the U.S., France, KSA, Qatar and Egypt.

It claimed that Le Drian, who visited Lebanon last month, would suggest a dialogue sponsored by France and the five-nation group, after he heard from Lebanese officials that national dialogue attempts have failed.

"Le Drian will return with a dialogue proposal," Berri said. "But the dialogue's mechanism and who will lead it are still not clear," he added.

And although Berri is not betting on the French role, he said in a meeting that

the presidential file is stalled until Le Drian's upcoming visit, al-Akhbar said.

Berri also hoped that the Iranian-Saudi reconciliation would positively reflect on Lebanon.