Berri Claims His Initiative Can Speed Up Presidential Election

Speaker Nabih Berri has expressed confidence that his presidential initiative could “pave the way for presidential elections as soon as possible,” and he is hopeful that the upcoming efforts of the five-nation group will yield positive results.

In an interview with al-Joumhouria newspaper published on Tuesday, Berri urged all parties to gather around a consultation table “today, not tomorrow” to agree on what best serves Lebanon’s interests. He emphasized that the election of a president is paramount and that the responsibility now lies with the various parties to respond positively and end the obstruction.

Berri also expressed optimism that the efforts of the quintet could bring about positive outcomes that would expedite the resolution of the presidential issue.

On Saturday, Berri renewed his call for “dialogue or consultations for several days, followed by successive electoral rounds,” suggesting that the parties could agree not to disrupt the quorum during the electoral session.

Meanwhile, the five-nation group for Lebanon has refocused attention on the presidential issue through a series of meetings aimed at “convincing the parties to engage in dialogue,” according to al-Akhbar newspaper. The behind-the-scenes discussions have been led by Egyptian and French ambassadors, Alaa Moussa and Hervé Magro.

In addition, visitors of Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Walid Bukhari have reported that there is ongoing Saudi-French coordination to “revive the presidential file.” French envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian is expected to visit Riyadh soon to meet with Royal Court adviser Nizar al-Aloula, with Bukhari and Magro also in attendance.

Before leaving Beirut, Bukhari met with Berri on Saturday to update him on the outcome of these diplomatic efforts, according to al-Akhbar.