Report: US, KSA, France may convince LF to accept Berri's initiative

A U.S.-Saudi-French endeavor might focus in the coming period on convincing Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea to agree to Speaker Nabih Berri’s presidential initiative, which would secure “a significant parliamentary majority enjoying full respect for the National Pact,” sources said.

“Should a parliamentary majority be secured for the electoral session, especially a Christian one, the chances of Marada Movement chief Suleiman Franjieh will decline in favor of a consensual president enjoying strong Christian support that would allow him to manage the coming phase without problems,” the sources told al-Liwaa newspaper in remarks published Thursday.

“Franjieh might remain a presidential candidate and would enjoy the support of some parliamentary blocs, but inter-Christian consensus might affect his wining chances in the presence of the votes of the LF, the Free Patriotic Movement and other blocs that are rejecting his nomination,” the sources added.