Franjieh Has Dinner Meeting with Army Chief

General Joseph Aoun, the Commander of the Army, hosted a dinner for Suleiman Franjieh, the leader of the Marada Movement, on Sunday evening. Media reports indicated that their discussions covered various current issues, with a particular focus on the presidential situation and the strained relationship with the Free Patriotic Movement.

Sources close to Franjieh mentioned that he accepted the invitation from Aoun, considering him as his primary rival for the presidency. Franjieh’s acceptance was seen as a gesture to demonstrate that democratic competition is feasible and to maintain cordial relations.

Franjieh also aimed to improve the somewhat cool relationship with the army chief. He recognizes that Aoun’s potential election as president hinges on his own decision to exit the presidential race, an option he is not considering at the moment.

This meeting occurred just two days after the parliament decided to extend General Aoun’s term as army chief for an additional year. This extension was aimed at preventing a leadership vacuum in the army command.

The gathering between the two leaders comes at a time when the country is facing a presidential void, following the end of former president Michel Aoun’s term on October 30, 2022.