Amid local developments, the visit of the head of the "Mardini Movement," Suleiman Franjieh, to Maronite Patriarch Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi in Bkerke, accompanied by his wife Rima, stood out, as they were invited to a lunch. Following the meeting, Franjieh stated: "We came today to clarify our opinion and position, and matters with His Beatitude are always excellent. There is a shared vision, especially regarding social issues in the country and leading Lebanon to a better future." He added: "We are in favor of the Taif Agreement and have declared our position since its adoption. I convinced President Franjieh back then regarding President Rene Mouawad. Therefore, we are among the key supporters of the Taif issue; whoever has information disproving that should present it."
Franjieh remarked: "I did not present my nomination to withdraw it; I stated that my name is proposed. When I feel that I have the number of votes that allows me to be a serious candidate, I will run because that is my constitutional right. I have previously stated and reiterate that if we agree on a presidential candidate, I will not stand in the way of the election. Today, I say that I am present; if my chances are available, I will run, and if they are not, I will not take that step."
He added: "I believe that if we apply the constitution, we need 86 votes to complete the quorum, which cannot be secured without Christian participation. Thus, the quorum in the session ensures the legitimacy of the session; this is my position, and His Beatitude knows what I am saying, as Bkerke always calls for legitimacy. The problem today is that we agree on whom we do not want, but we do not agree on whom we want."
Regarding his acceptance to be elected with only 65 votes, Franjieh stated: "I am with the constitution, and I do not wish to be a president of challenge. Of course, I would accept to be a president with a simple majority; my grandfather reached the presidency in this way, and this is what the constitution stipulates, and we cannot selectively apply it."
Informed sources told "Al-Joumhouria" that the meeting between Al-Rahi and Franjieh was "candid and friendly, with the patriarch listening more than speaking, after noting the outcomes of his meetings and consultations, deciding against organizing any broad meeting for Christian leaders as suggested by several visitors, based on the principle that the crisis is national and not merely Christian or Christian-Islamic, and placing it in either framework would exacerbate the major national problem the country is suffering from."
"Al-Joumhouria" learned that today, Al-Rahi will receive Minister of Defense Brigadier General Maurice Sleem to discuss various security issues and matters pertaining to the military institution. He will also meet with Director General of General Security Major General Abbas Ibrahim to discuss several files that have been under discussion between them for some time, as well as meet with MP Marwan Hamadeh.
