Lebanese Forces (LF) leader Samir Geagea said after his meeting with French envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian on Thursday, that “dialogue is necessary ” and his party is open to an agreement over a presidential candidate. He stressed, however, that “the momanaa (Hezbollah-led) camp’s approach and their insistence on endorsing (Sleiman) Frangieh is not accepted.”
Geagea noted that communication between the Christian party and French officials has never been interrupted in the past and that Le Drian “did not suggest any candidate or tried to convince us to go for Frangieh.”
“Le Drian is on a reconnaissance mission and carried no initiative, but rather asked question about an array of matters. He is seeking solutions, and his endeavor is welcomed, like any other foreign envoy, but the presidential matter is an internal issue handled by MPs and parliament blocs,” Geagea added.
LF sources noted that France has no preference for any candidate and that it is ready to act as a mediator between all parties, but the solution should come from the Lebanese and the French envoy is fully aware of the difficulty of his mission.
Le Drian declared earlier Thursday, June 22, on the second day of his visit to Lebanon, that he will be listening to Lebanese politicians from opposing camps as part of his mission to help break the presidential deadlock. However, he stressed that the solution is “primarily” in the hands of the Lebanese.
Le Drian stated that “the objective of his first visit is to assess the situation, help the Lebanese find solutions to the crisis and discuss with various parties the means of achieving the desired solution.”
“I will engage with all Lebanese stakeholders to overcome the crisis, and I will strive to develop a reform agenda that provides hope for Lebanon to emerge from its crisis. I do not have any preconceived proposals, but I will listen to everyone, and the solution should primarily emerge from the Lebanese people,” the presidential envoy added.
The former French Minister of Foreign Affairs made his comments following meetings with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rai.
Le Drian pointed out that “there will be a subsequent visit after this initial one,” and while any breakthrough in the political deadlock “will originate from the Lebanese people, France will always be there (to help).”
For his part, Mikati said following his talks with Le Drian that “the key to a solution lies in the election of a new president.”
Mikati pointed out that, though in a caretaker status, the government has been busy working on reform projects and has signed the initial agreement with the International Monetary Fund.
“The approval of these projects in Parliament would provide an impetus for the desired economic and social solutions,” Mikati added.
Le Drian is accompanied by French Ambassador Anne Grillo, in his meetings
