Five-Nation Ambassadors to Push Presidential Initiative Forward

In an effort to jumpstart Lebanon’s stalled presidential election process, ambassadors from a five-nation group convened at the Saudi envoy’s residence in Lebanon. This meeting set the stage for a series of upcoming discussions with Lebanese officials and leaders, aiming to reinvigorate the election process.

Next week, these envoys plan to initiate their efforts, starting with a meeting with Lebanese Speaker Nabih Berri, as reported by al-Joumhouria newspaper. This step is part of a broader plan that includes preparing for a significant meeting scheduled for next month, which is set to take place either in Riyadh or Cairo.

The key focus of this five-nation committee is to drive forward the initiative to elect a new Lebanese president, a priority that was underscored during their meeting. Instead of discussing specific candidates, the ambassadors concentrated on the desirable qualities and characteristics of the potential new president.

The meeting also touched upon broader regional issues and the situation on the southern front, which are factors influencing the presidential election process. However, the group refrained from releasing any public statements or positions following their gathering.

To further this initiative, French envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian is expected to convey the decisions or recommendations from this meeting to Beirut. Reports suggest that he might be joined by another member of the committee during this visit. This coordinated effort reflects the group’s commitment to assisting Lebanon in navigating its political challenges and advancing towards a successful presidential election.