Le Drian Discusses Lebanon with Saudi Official in Riyadh

French President’s Special Envoy to Lebanon, Jean-Yves Le Drian, visited Riyadh last week, where he met with Saudi Royal Court adviser Nizar al-Aloula to discuss the Lebanese presidential situation, diplomatic sources revealed to al-Joumhouria newspaper.

During the meeting, Le Drian briefed Aloula on the outcomes of the five-nation group’s initiative and his recent discussions with U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein. The five-nation group, consisting of ambassadors from the U.S., France, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt, had earlier this month engaged with opposition MPs to present two proposals aimed at facilitating the presidential election.

The opposition suggested holding presidential consultations in parliament without the involvement of Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. Alternatively, they proposed that Berri call for an open presidential election session, during which MPs and blocs would consult outside the parliament hall after the first round of voting and then return for successive rounds of voting.