French President Emmanuel Macron meets with Maronite Patriarch Bechara Al-Rai to discuss Lebanese presidency and refugee crisis

Aoun’s presence was aimed at influencing the reluctant deputies, who preferred to nominate one of the bloc’s members, Ibrahim Kanaan, for the presidency, as long as his name was included in the list that the sponsor carried to France. As – according to the information – the shepherd carries five names to discuss with Macron, on the basis that the opposition forces can agree on one of them. The names include Army Commander Joseph Aoun, Jihad Azour, Ibrahim Kanaan, Ziyad Baroud, and Neamat Avram. While the majority in the opposition tends to adopt Azour’s candidacy.
In parallel with the meeting of the Strong Lebanon bloc, which lasted a lot, because it included debates and discussions, some of which reached a level of tension, in rejection of Basil’s choices.. A number of deputies representing various blocs, such as the Forces Party, the Kataeb Party, Renewal, and some of the Change Representatives, were also holding a meeting To discuss support for Jihad Azour’s candidacy for the presidency, provided that communication continues with independents and with the Democratic Gathering to convince them of this option. It was assumed that a deputy from the Strong Lebanon bloc would go to join the meeting of the other deputies, so that the position would be unified.

“Strong Lebanon” statement
The bloc did not make a decision, due to the objection of five of its deputies to Basil’s choice to adopt Azour’s candidacy. Basil did not succeed in softening their position. The meeting issued a statement saying: “The proposed political options and orientations were presented in detail, and the deputies gave their opinions. In the end, the previously agreed path was emphasized, which is led by the head of the bloc in terms of agreement with the opposition on a candidate for the presidency of the republic, which will be announced after determining the possibilities.” And the completion of consultations regarding the program and the election mechanism, and securing the broadest parliamentary support for it, on the basis of consensus, not imposition.If that is not possible, then go to democratic competition through voting in the House of Representatives.With the bloc affirming its conviction that the election of a president and his success at this stage requires consensus, not A challenge from one against another.

Christian rejection
In Paris, Al-Rahi was outspoken about the Christians’ refusal to try to impose a presidential candidate on them, because the presidency passes through the Christians and Bkerke. This is what the Patriarch also told the Vatican departments. The French and Vatican sides showed understanding of the situation, and stressed the need for the Lebanese to agree to elect the president as soon as possible. To be committed to the reform program and work to address crises.
The shepherd discussed with Macron the issue of names, which can achieve victory, given that they are non-provocative and consensual names, while the French explained their point of view to the shepherd. According to what follow-up sources say, the French showed understanding of all the reactions that are taking place in Lebanon, and reiterated that they support what the Lebanese agree on, provided that the presidential elections are completed quickly.