Former Deputy Speaker of Parliament Elie Frangieh emphasized that "the Lebanese interest necessitates the swift election of a president who is capable of engaging in serious and honest dialogue regarding the return of Syrian refugees to Syria." He believes that Lebanon needs to "quickly benefit from the existing consensus and stability in the region to elect a president and avoid the game of obstruction, as obstruction will inevitably lead to catastrophic chaos for the country."
Frangieh stated, after meeting with Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri at the second presidential palace in Ain al-Tineh, that "it has become clear to the Lebanese that the maturity and development of what some refer to as the external agenda in Lebanon, which they have called upon for every small and large issue, has reached its conclusion. This is evident in light of the developments in the region and regional issues that we hope will serve as a great lesson for the Lebanese when they truly discuss what are called the axes in Lebanon."
He expressed astonishment at "the continuation of some people talking about who is with the resistance axis and who is against it," believing that "at the regional level, the conflict has changed and will not be as it has been in the coming days and weeks; the conflict will become between those who support the Saudi-Iranian agreement, which will positively reflect on the region's reality and stability, and those who wish to remain entrenched in the Sunni-Shiite conflict and the Saudi-Iranian struggle."
He added: "The region must advance to a higher stage of national, regional, and national consensus to lift it from the pitfalls it is sinking into day by day."
He pointed out that "we must swiftly take advantage of the existing consensus and stability and utilize this reality to elect a president for the Lebanese republic and avoid entering the game of obstruction, as obstruction will inevitably lead to catastrophic chaos for the country and negatively impact the constitution." He stated, "The greatest victim of this chaos will be all of Lebanon and all its components, especially the component known by us all."
Regarding the issue of Syrian refugees, Frangieh said: "We also notice today that there is escalation and conflict that has introduced an external factor, with statements from certain individuals attempting to push matters towards Lebanese-Syrian conflict." He indicated that "this is an extremely dangerous matter and there is no specific Lebanese interest in this issue at all. The Lebanese interest necessitates the swift election of a president who can engage in serious and honest dialogue about the safe, secure, and dignified return of Syrian refugees to Syria."
Frangieh added: "Creating an atmosphere of conflict after those who cheered their arrival believed they could use them as fuel in the ongoing struggle in the region on the Lebanese scene is extremely dangerous."
Additionally, President Berri met with a delegation from the Court of Accounts, which included Chief Judge Mohammad Badran, Prosecutor Fawzi Khmeis, Head of the Chamber Judge Abdullah Nasser, and advisors Mohammad Haj and Joseph Kesrouan. The delegation presented President Berri with a special report on the leasing of the Qassabian building and the purchase of the Bashoura building by the Ministry of Communications. Berri requested that the Head of the Parliamentary Communications Committee, through the Secretary-General of the Parliament, convene a special session to discuss this report and ways to maintain public funds in this matter.
