Berri Describes Talks with Quintet Envoys as ‘Beneficial and Promising’

On Tuesday, Lebanon’s Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri convened a meeting at Ain el-Tineh with envoys from the five-nation group, which includes the United States, France, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt.

According to the National News Agency, the one-hour discussion focused on recent developments, particularly the challenges surrounding the presidential selection process. Berri remarked post-meeting that the discussion was unified, productive, and held promise.

These diplomats are also set to engage with various political entities in the near future.

Sources familiar with the matter spoke to the PSP’s al-Anbaa news portal, explaining that the ambassadors’ latest efforts, which align with the Qatari envoy’s discreet activities in Beirut, are part of a new exploratory mission. This initiative seeks solutions to the ongoing presidential impasse in Lebanon.

The sources clarified that the aim is more about fostering dialogue and consultations to facilitate a breakthrough in choosing a president, rather than introducing a brand new initiative. During this phase, no presidential candidates will be proposed. Instead, the focus will be on gathering diverse viewpoints and fostering agreement, drawing from the latest meeting held at the residence of Saudi Ambassador Walid Bukhari in Yarze.

The conversations are reportedly centered around the mechanics of the presidential election, attempting to capitalize on the momentum generated during the session that extended the term of the army chief.