Ambassadors of the Quintet confer with Bassil on presidential agenda

On Thursday in Beirut, four ambassadors from the five-nation group tasked with aiding Lebanon met with Jebran Bassil, leader of the Free Patriotic Movement, at his residence in Bayyada. During the meeting, which was part of their ongoing efforts to resolve Lebanon’s presidential deadlock, the ambassadors from Egypt, France, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar discussed the importance of not linking the ongoing conflicts between Israel and Hezbollah with Lebanon’s presidential selection process, according to the Egyptian Ambassador Alaa Moussa.

This series of meetings, which resumed for a second day, previously included discussions with Marada leader Suleiman Franjieh, Kataeb leader Sami Gemayel, and members of the National Moderation bloc. The diplomatic tour will conclude with a session with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, aiming to find a resolution to the presidential impasse that has persisted since Michel Aoun’s term ended in October 2022. This political stalemate continues as neither main bloc—the opposition and Hezbollah—has been able to secure a majority to elect a new president.

Ambassador Moussa expressed optimism about the progress of these talks, noting efforts to “build bridges” and enhance trust among Lebanese political factions. He highlighted the growing common ground among the parties involved.

Al-Jadeed TV also reported that the Egyptian, French, and Qatari ambassadors had a separate meeting with the Loyalty to Resistance bloc. Mohammad Raad, head of the bloc, conveyed Hezbollah’s readiness to engage in dialogues presided over by Speaker Berri, indicating a willingness to cooperate toward resolving the nation’s political and economic crisis.