Parolin from Ain el-Tineh: Presidential solution begins from this HQ

The Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, met Wednesday in Ain el-Tineh with Speaker Nabih Berri after which he said that “the solution for the presidential crisis begins from this headquarters.”

“The Christian parties certainly bear responsibility, but they are not alone in power and others must shoulder their responsibilities,” Parolin added.

MTV had reported that Parolin had met away from the spotlight with “at least three influential political figures” and that a meeting between him and the head of a political party lasted two hours.

Al-Jadeed TV meanwhile reported that Parolin has hinted that he prefers a so-called third candidate and that he “has not mentioned any name or asked anyone to withdraw.”

“He stressed the need for consensus and for the parties to sit together without preconditions,” al-Jadeed said.

The TV network also revealed that Parolin met with Marada Movement chief Suleiman Franjieh for an hour and a half at the Vatican’s embassy in Lebanon, discussing with him “the Christian situation and the presidency.”