With the ambassadors of the quintet group having completed the first phase of their tour with political leaders, religious authorities, and parliamentary blocs, and with some ambassadors heading to their home countries for the holidays, no breakthrough is expected on the presidential eligibility front. Attention is focused on the situation in Gaza and southern Lebanon amid ongoing regional and international meetings aimed at declaring a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, which could extend to the southern Lebanese front that witnessed additional clashes yesterday. The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced via "Al-Hadath" yesterday that France is working on all fronts to avoid regional escalation, particularly along the Lebanon-Israel border. They also stated, "We are pleased with the positive response from the Lebanese authorities regarding our proposals for de-escalation at the border," as reported by "Al-Jumhuriya."
Until movement resumes its momentum following the celebrations of Easter and Eid al-Fitr in early April, a member of the "National Moderation" bloc told "Al-Jumhuriya" that contrary to common perception, the bloc's presidential initiative remains vibrant and present, and it will see significant reinforcement post-holidays, after having received responses from some parliamentary blocs that requested additional time to prepare their answers to the initiative.
