Le Drian continues talks with Lebanese leaders

On Wednesday, the French President’s Special Envoy to Lebanon, Jean-Yves Le Drian, held separate meetings with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and Hezbollah’s top lawmaker Mohammad Raad during the second day of his visit to Lebanon.

According to al-Jadeed television, Berri reiterated his commitment to his presidential election initiative, calling for consultations without preconditions before proceeding to parliament for successive rounds of voting from a list of multiple candidates.

On Tuesday, Le Drian met with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Marada Movement leader Suleiman Franjieh, and former Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblatt.

Media reports suggest that political forces believe that domestic solutions are unlikely in the near future, despite Le Drian’s visit, due to the complex regional situation.

Sources familiar with Mikati’s meeting with Le Drian informed al-Akhbar newspaper that the French envoy did not discuss any invitation for dialogue in France.

Al-Joumhouria newspaper, citing informed sources, described Le Drian’s visit as “exploratory and quick,” noting that he did not bring any new proposals.