Qatar's mission ongoing as Shiite Duo continues to support Franjieh

As Lebanon continues to plunge in bitter political divisions, Qatar is silently trying to help it break its long presidential impasse.

Qatari envoy Jassem Bin Fahad Al-Thani is still in Beirut on a consultative mission that he will resume this week with a visit to the Grand Serail, informed sources told al-Joumhouria newspaper, in remarks published Monday.

The secret mission of the Qatari envoy is coordinated with France, the sources said, claiming that the two envoys -- The Qatari and the French -- are regularly discussing the developments.

The mission also has the support of Saudi Arabia and Iran, a local media report said, claiming that KSA supports the election of a third candidate, other than Suleiman Franjieh and Jihad Azour. The report, published in al-Binaa newspaper, added that Qatari officials are regularly talking to Hezbollah.

A media report published in al-Liwaa newspaper had claimed that Qatar is trying to convince Hezbollah's candidate Marada Movement chief Suleiman Franjieh to withdraw from the presidential race. A prominent lawmaker denied the claims, and told Asharq al-Awsat, in remarks published Monday, that the Qatari envoy has not asked Franjieh to withdraw, but asked Hezbollah secretary-general's aide Hussein Khalil, in a meeting, what would Hezbollah do in case Franjieh decided to withdraw.

Hezbollah assured Al-Thani that it is still supporting Franjieh and would never cease to, unless he decides himself to withdraw.