On Saturday, Speaker of the House Nabih Berri received caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati at the second presidential office in Ain al-Tineh, where they discussed the general situation and the latest political and field developments. Berri also followed up on the political updates, particularly concerning the presidential elections, during his meeting with a delegation from the "National Moderation" parliamentary bloc, which included deputies Walid Ba'arny, Saji' Atiah, Ahmad Al-Khayr, Mohammed Suleiman, Ahmad Rustom, Abed Al-Aziz Al-Samad, and the bloc's former secretary, MP Hadi Habish.
After the meeting, MP Walid Ba'arny spoke on behalf of the bloc, stating: "First, we congratulated the President on the holy month, and there is no doubt that the main reason for the visit was to discuss the initiative, which was initially a movement and has now become an initiative. For those who were counting on the initiative being dismantled, we assure them that, on the contrary, the initiative has gained strong momentum now, and the second round may not be well-publicized; however, we will prove to public opinion both domestically and abroad, as well as the media public opinion, that the initiative, God willing, is successful, and we will continue with it."
In response to a question about the foundations of the initiative, its mechanisms, and Hezbollah's stance on it, Ba'arny said: "We have established the mechanism, and we do not deny that the party has a fundamental opinion, and we are waiting for its response. The mechanism we outlined with President Berri is very positive, and we will clarify it through our work and communication with all the blocs we visited, and we will return to visit them."
Regarding who will lead the dialogue or consultation, Ba'arny stated: "You are heading towards formalities; in essence, there is an agreement on the presidency, the way to invite, and all matters that will make the initiative successful. President Berri is optimistic and informed us of all good things."
