Berri: We Feel That America Prefers the Army Commander, and It Is Not True That Lorian Overstepped Franjieh

Speaker of the House Nabih Berri denied that the French special envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian had closed the chapter on the French initiative or that he had overstepped سليمان فرنجية, noting that Lorian distinguished Franjieh from others by inviting him to lunch. In a special interview with "Al-Jadeed" channel, he stated that he informed Lorian about the reasons behind his and Hezbollah's support for Franjieh's candidacy, emphasizing that he is honest, sincere, and committed to his word, and that a third option is linked to dialogue. He added that he is ready to participate in any dialogue invited to in the parliament via appointing someone from the Development and Liberation bloc. Regarding the American stance, Berri clarified that it is not true that the United States is obstructing the presidency, but it will cooperate with any elected president, adding, "We feel that America prefers the army commander, while Saudi Arabia still maintains its position of not vetoing any name." As for his relationship with Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblatt, Berri emphasized that Jumblatt does not need an appointment and that the doors are always open for him whenever he wants, confirming that "all attempts by some to create a rift between me and Jumblatt have failed and will not succeed."