Political forces are slowing their movements, awaiting developments in the southern situation. No team can finalize its internal stance without knowing the direction of security and military conditions. Although American envoy Amos Hochstein is doing everything in his power to curb border tensions, the anticipated settlement has yet to materialize, according to "Nidaa Al-Watan."
The initiative from the National Moderation Bloc has not reached its desired conclusion. Most opposition parties, centrist blocs, and the Free Patriotic Movement agreed on its essence, which states that two or more candidates should be chosen, with the quorum secured and maintained in consecutive, open sessions for electing a president. However, as expected, the slowdown came from Speaker of the House Nabih Berri and Hezbollah.
"Nidaa Al-Watan" reveals that a meeting took place in recent hours between bloc member MP Walid Baerini and Berri's political aide MP Ali Hassan Khalil, where the results of the recent round and its extent were presented. Khalil conveyed to the "Moderation" group that the duo rejected open sessions, insisting instead on a prior agreement among all parties regarding the presidential candidate, fearing a spontaneous outcome during the election process.
Khalil's response effectively dismantled the core of the Moderation initiative, leading matters back to square one—namely, the call for dialogue to agree on a president. The Shiite duo considers opening the session for consecutive rounds a risk that could result in a president from the opposition ranks.
On another note, it became clear from the meeting that the duo is waiting for a major settlement in the region and at the southern borders, which will certainly lead to the election of a president. Hence, why rush? Khalil declined to discuss potential consensus candidates that could unify all parties.
Further meetings between Moderation bloc MPs and Khalil are expected. While the last meeting dismantled the essence of the initiative, it did create a crack in the wall of the crisis, indicating the duo’s withdrawal from nominating Marada Movement leader Sleiman Frangieh as a candidate and opening the door for dialogue. The duo is reluctant to inform Frangieh of this matter, as they plan for Hezbollah's Secretary General, Hassan Nasrallah, to personally notify him that his presidential chances are not present and to urge him to withdraw his nomination once a settlement is in place.
Thus, the National Moderation Bloc's initiative has reached a dead end, and hopes for its success are very slim unless a miracle occurs. Nevertheless, these developments did not halt communications, and another meeting was held between bloc member MP Ahmed Al-Khair and Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon, Walid Bukhari, discussing the latest communications made by the bloc, the stance on the initiative, and the possible outlook.
Notably, during the meeting, the Saudi ambassador spoke positively about the Lebanese situation, especially regarding the presidency. He confirmed that international communications discussing the presidential situation have not stopped, and the election process will be completed soon, either through internal agreement or external circumstances assisting the internal electoral process.
During the session, the Saudi ambassador reaffirmed that Lebanon would not be left alone, as the situation is being closely monitored by the Quintet Committee and Arab countries. If a border settlement is achieved, it will inevitably impact the presidential process and resolve remaining obstacles. He stressed his country's support for electing a rescue president who would steer Lebanon back on the right path and begin the reform journey.
While it is true that the Moderation initiative has slowed down and entered a phase of stagnation, larger movements are expected abroad, with predictions of a visit from a Qatari envoy in the near future, potentially bringing new proposals that could aid in the resolution.
