The Saudi ambassador to Lebanon returned after the holiday season, bringing with him positive atmospheres and new data. Perhaps the most notable position in this regard came after his meeting with the leader of the Lebanese Forces party, Samir Geagea, in Maarab, where he urged parliamentary blocs and political forces to "assume their historic responsibility and meet without delay to accomplish the presidential entitlement," emphasizing the importance of meeting to achieve this entitlement.
According to a statement issued from Maarab, the Kingdom's position was clear in considering the presidential elections a sovereign Lebanese matter, and it is up to the Lebanese to decide who the next president will be; the Kingdom stands behind the Lebanese in their choices. Prior to that, there was a meeting in Ain el-Tineh with the Speaker of Parliament, Nabih Berri. From there, Al-Bukhari confirmed that his country "does not accept the ongoing presidential vacuum, which threatens the stability and unity of the Lebanese people," and that the Kingdom stresses the need to expedite the election of a president capable of achieving what the Lebanese people aspire to.
Sources from Ain el-Tineh noted to "Warda," that "the atmosphere was very positive during the meeting," pointing out that "the regional and international atmosphere is also positive, but it must coincide with similar atmospheres within the country." In this context, sources affirmed that some political movements within the country align perfectly with President Berri's vision. According to sources following the diplomatic movement, "the Saudi ambassador carries new data and conveys a positive atmosphere," refusing to delve into additional details pending a clearer picture, but the same sources pointed out "a near consensus on maturing the presidential situation very soon" and that Saudi Arabia is moving in this direction, supporting positive positions.
They added, "If nothing disrupts this positivity," there is a possibility of making "a breakthrough in the presidential file in the coming weeks." Earlier on Wednesday, Berri confirmed that "we are in utmost need to act in our performance and behavior as a unified national team, in order to accomplish our national obligations" to protect Lebanon and its existence.
Al-Bukhari began his tour with a meeting with the Grand Mufti of the Republic Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian at the Dar Al-Fatwa, where the ambassador affirmed "the Kingdom's keenness on Lebanon and its institutions, and on the Islamic-Christian coexistence," hoping "that Lebanon witnesses stability and a promising future." Both sides reviewed the latest developments on the Lebanese scene, especially the presidential entitlement and the importance of accomplishing it, in addition to several issues of mutual interest. For his part, Derian emphasized the essential role played by the Kingdom in Lebanon and on both the Arab and international arenas.
