The Saudi ambassador to Lebanon, Walid al-Bukhari, has begun a tour to meet with various political and religious leaders, including Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Raï, President Nabih Berri, Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea, Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblatt, the Kataeb Party, among others, with visit dates to be determined later. Al-Bukhari commenced his tour with a visit to Bkerki where he met with Patriarch al-Raï and subsequently left without making any statements.
According to exclusive information for "Wardna," Ambassador al-Bukhari did not bring a specific initiative regarding the presidential elections, but rather outlined a set of criteria for the upcoming president. These criteria include having a reformist vision and a clear plan to rescue Lebanon from its crisis, as well as not being involved in financial and political corruption cases.
The information also noted that "al-Bukhari emphasized during the meeting that the Kingdom will not engage in any settlement at the expense of Lebanon," urging the Lebanese people to take responsibility and end the state of vacuum. He confirmed his country's support for Lebanon's sovereignty and stability and updated the patriarch on the recent Paris meeting and the establishment of a safety network.
Al-Bukhari did not impose a veto on any candidate, but according to informed circles who spoke to "Wardna," it was indicated that "those familiar with the specifications set by Saudi Arabia for the next president can deduce the type of candidate that would receive their support." The media official at Bkerki, Walid Ghayad, mentioned that "when certain specifications are defined, there is certainly a veto on certain individuals," and indicated in a discussion with journalists that "the specifications from Bkerki are not far from those of Saudi Arabia."
