French proposal links 1701 with 3rd presidential pick

Before the upcoming visit of French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné to Lebanon this weekend, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has been in touch with French Ambassador Hervé Magro to stay updated on the latest French proposals aimed at addressing the tense situation along the Lebanese-Israeli border, as reported by a media outlet.

According to diplomatic sources cited in Nidaa al-Watan newspaper on Friday, these proposals involve the implementation of Resolution 1701 as part of a comprehensive plan, which includes supporting a third presidential candidate.

On another front, governmental sources informed the same newspaper that U.S. mediator Amos Hochstein has shown readiness to return to Lebanon prior to a ceasefire taking effect, contingent upon Lebanon’s agreement to separate the southern front from Gaza.

Contrarily, sources from Shiite Duo, as reported by al-Joumhouria newspaper, emphasized that discussions concerning any settlement in the south would not occur until a ceasefire is achieved in Gaza.

Regarding France’s role, the sources stated that it is secondary compared to the primary negotiators, namely the Americans and their envoy Amos Hochstein, in addressing the southern border issues.