The statements made by the French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Catherine Colonna, during her discussions with Lebanese officials did not stray from the context of international officials' positions regarding efforts to elect a new president for the country and concerns over presidential vacancy. The French official's visit to Beirut cannot be confined to a specific issue, especially since her country is aware of the ongoing situations in Lebanon, from the maritime border demarcation to the presidential movement and attempts to form a government. However, the current priority, as is evident, focuses on the demarcation issue, considering it an accomplishment, in addition to the entry of the French company Total into drilling and related activities.
Minister Colonna did not bring any ideas related to the presidential entitlement, nor is she tasked with it, but she did not hesitate to affirm that any vacancy would weaken Lebanon's position in managing negotiations to resolve its crises and address essential issues. Informed political sources tell "Akhbar Al-Yawm" agency that French interest in Lebanon's issues—particularly political ones—has diminished recently, but that does not mean it has vanished. They note that it is understood that there are Lebanese issues that France knows cannot be resolved overnight, and past advice given has not been acted upon.
These sources believe that the recent American-French-Saudi statement (issued on September 22) serves as a roadmap, and thus, it is not expected to add anything new to it. Therefore, no changes are anticipated regarding the points mentioned, except for reiterating the stance on conducting the presidential entitlement and implementing international resolutions. They express the belief that France, should new details arise, will coordinate its steps with the concerned countries if it decides to launch a specific initiative towards Lebanon, but thus far, no specific signs in this direction have emerged.
They also point out that there are other files under French monitoring, from stability to reforms to Syrian refugees and varying forms of assistance, which constitute a permanent inquiry focus.
But what about the French pressure for the election of the new president? These sources say that this is expected at the appropriate time, and we may observe visits from envoys or communications, but this pressure is limited by the necessity of internal consensus before any other matter, and France cannot bypass the Lebanese constitution in the election process.
It is clear that the presidential file has not yet reached an advanced stage of diligent international follow-up; however, over time, warnings regarding the repercussions of presidential vacancy will be issued.
