Informed sources report that the visits of the ambassadors of the five countries who participated in the Paris meeting were aimed at gauging the situation and conveying the official stance taken during the meeting without disclosing it. However, contrary to claims, they did not threaten sanctions against those obstructing the presidential election. The French ambassador stated during her meeting with Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri that Paris is worried and anxious that the situation in Lebanon could erupt if a president is not elected, warning against this course of action. Therefore, there were warnings but no sanctions. If matters remain unchanged, sanctions are expected that could be the largest and harshest in the history of penalties imposed on Lebanese officials, a considerable number of whom are at stake because the international community seeks to elect a president without endorsing any specific candidate. According to the information, the Paris meeting discussed some names, primarily Army Commander General Joseph Aoun, as part of the discussions held among advisors from the participating countries.
Meanwhile, it has also been reported that the visits of the five ambassadors may continue to engage political and possibly party leaders to update them on the ongoing situation. However, there is currently no indication that surprises are imminent, apart from a possibly significant development—a swift meeting of the foreign ministers of these countries announcing a settlement after some Lebanese parties have been informed of the plan. This is because there are indications that the presidential election will take place within weeks, or about two months, as conditions can no longer sustain this delay, perhaps even sooner if the international and regional moment is favorable for electing a president.
Concerns remain about the alarming collapse of the national currency, which could lead to street unrest, especially since security reports do not indicate positive developments amid this collapse affecting various sectors and state facilities.
Finally, it remains certain that the election of a new president for the republic is a settled matter, even without a specific timeline. The decision was made during the quintet meeting in Paris, which did not fail or experience a lack of consensus among the countries that convened in the French capital. There is a deep and thoughtful analysis in place to ensure positive steps and to avoid any further internal division in Lebanon. The coming days will surely clarify matters, especially given that all scenarios have now become highly plausible across all fronts.
