Lebanon Crisis: Le Drian’s Meetings and the Search for a French Initiative

Lebanon: Le Drian, the “listener”, continues his meetings, and there is no French initiative at present

Political opinions in Lebanon agree that the visit of Jean-Yves Le Drian, the special envoy of French President Emmanuel Macron, will not make any breach in the wall of the presidential crisis, at least in its “first version”, pending what he will carry in an upcoming second round that may culminate in a French presidential initiative or new ideas. The presidential vacancy that has been ongoing since October 31 ends.

On the other hand, and despite Le Drian’s assertion in a direct statement to him after his meeting with the Maronite Patriarch Bechara Al-Rahi that he does not carry with him any presidential proposal or initiative, the Lebanese parties differed over the interpretation of the French position, between those who consider that Paris is still adhering to the settlement of the head of the “Marada Movement”. Suleiman Franjieh (Hezbollah’s candidate and the team supporting it) for the presidency of the republic, and the diplomat Nawaf Salam for the prime minister, and among those who confirm that this page has been closed, and that the search is taking place today in another approach to the presidential crisis, which may be with a third candidate, other than Franjieh and not Jihad Azour, Minister of Finance The former and candidate of the opposition forces.

For the third day, the “French visitor” continues his meetings with political officials and representatives of parliamentary blocs, without exception, as part of his exploratory tour, in which he takes the position of listening to the opinions and positions of political forces regarding the presidential crisis.

And it was prominent yesterday, Thursday, that Le Drian invited Franjieh to lunch at the Pine Palace, the headquarters of the French embassy in Beirut, where Le Drian was quick to confirm that he did not mention anything about France’s abandonment of Franjieh, knowing that the Elysee said on more than one occasion that he did not and will not enter into the game of names. Which, in his opinion, is an internal Lebanese affair.

A source in the “Marada Movement” told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that “the meeting yesterday was very positive, in which Le Drian listened to Franjieh’s position on the presidential crisis and his vision of the merits, and how he approached the file and his presidential program that can be applied at this stage, and that he is ready to provide any assistance in the matter.” The way to a solution,” pointing out that “Franjieh did not hear anything about a new French initiative, and he was not asked to back down or withdraw.”

On the other side, the former minister, Richard Kouyoumjian, head of the foreign relations apparatus of the “Lebanese Forces” party headed by Samir Geagea, told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that “Le Drian focused during his speech on the fact that he does not have any choice, name or any initiative, but rather He came on a reconnaissance tour to listen to the opinions of the Lebanese parties about the presidential elections, which reached a dead end, and in his opinion it is reflected in the image of Lebanon in the world, and the existence of Lebanon itself, because the outside deals with the state on the basis of its head, i.e. the President of the Republic, and it is a vacant position for about 8 months. “.

Kouyomjian pointed out that “the French envoy did not address the previous initiative, i.e. Franjieh – Salam, which can be deduced by some that simply by not talking about it means that it is a ruling behind us, as he did not present it to us and did not try to convince us of Franjieh or even diving into the subject, which might It means that perhaps in the coming period there will be a new French proposal.

On the level of dialogue, Kouyoumjian said: “We are not with folklore dialogue. Rather, there is a democratic path that must be followed by electing a president through the House of Representatives, as it is not possible to call for a loose dialogue while the other party remains clinging to its candidate and wants to reach consensus on it.”

In the

How is France’s position on the presidential crisis in Lebanon interpreted by different Lebanese political parties?

An expressed his sincere interest in finding a solution to the presidential crisis in Lebanon. Le Drian, known as a good listener, allowed Franjieh to present his vision for the country and his qualifications for the presidency. The meeting was described as cordial and productive.

However, it is important to note that Le Drian did not present any concrete proposals or initiatives during the meeting. This has left Lebanese political parties divided on the interpretation of France’s position. Some believe that Paris is still supportive of Franjieh as a candidate for the presidency, while others argue that France is exploring other options.

Le Drian’s visit, which is part of an exploratory tour, aims to gather opinions and positions from various political forces in Lebanon. His meetings with political officials and representatives of parliamentary blocs have been ongoing for three days now. The French envoy has been keen to listen to the perspectives of all parties involved in the presidential crisis.

Despite the absence of a French presidential initiative at the moment, there is anticipation for a potential second round of meetings with Le Drian, which may lead to new ideas or initiatives to resolve the crisis. It is worth noting that the presidential vacancy in Lebanon has been ongoing since October 31.

Overall, while Le Drian’s visit may not immediately break the deadlock in the presidential crisis, it is seen as an important step towards finding a solution. The French envoy’s continued engagement and willingness to listen to different perspectives reflects France’s commitment to supporting Lebanon during this challenging time.