Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has confirmed alignment with ambassadors from the Quintet Committee on the presidential election in Lebanon.
Berri emphasized that the Committee, which consists of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, the US, and France, is a supportive group, aiming to facilitate the election without endorsing or vetoing any candidate.
The ambassadors “did not delve into the third presidential option,” revealed Berri to Asharq Al-Awsat.
The Speaker also called for dialogue among parliamentary blocs to swiftly elect a president.
He highlighted the positive nature of his meeting with the ambassadors, emphasizing their support for Lebanon amidst regional challenges.
Berri stressed agreeing with the ambassadors on the need to separate the presidential election from the situation in Gaza and confrontation with Israel in Lebanon’s south.
Lebanon should focus on electing a president promptly, taking advantage of regional developments, insisted Berri.
He rejected any compromise between the southern situation and the presidential election, affirming Lebanon’s commitment to UN Resolution 1701.
There is no obstacle for Committee ambassadors to meet with parliamentary bloc leaders, a Lebanese source, who requested anonymity, told Asharq Al-Awsat.
The source highlighted the importance of dialogue, leaving the communication mechanism to the ambassadors.
On another note, the source emphasized that Saudi Arabia is keen on the presidential election, urging Lebanese MPs to expedite the process and implement necessary reforms to rescue the republic.
The Saudis do not endorse any candidate or impose a veto, the source affirmed.
Saudi Arabia commits to non-interference in naming candidates, leaving the presidential election to Lebanese MPs, they added.
The Kingdom will define its position based on specifications outlined by the Committee, considering the future president and required reforms as essential for Lebanon’s financial and economic recovery.
