French presidential envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian arrives in Beirut today for a two-day visit, preceded by intriguing expectations. French diplomatic sources told "Nidaa al-Watan" that Le Drian's visit is important and should not be underestimated. They called for close monitoring of the discussions that the French envoy will hold, as they will impact the efforts of the five-member committee that began working to facilitate the presidential elections.
This information contrasts with the ongoing pessimistic assessments since the announcement last week of Le Drian's visit. According to these sources, the French envoy's approach is based on criteria drawn from written responses he received from all parties earlier. Consequently, the economic issue has taken precedence in the approaches of the stakeholders concerning the elections, subsequently reflecting on the specifications expected of the next president of the republic.
According to the information, there is an internal consensus on a third presidential option, which Le Drian will work on during his visit in close cooperation with the five-member committee. The committee has distanced itself from names that meet the required criteria, despite the diplomatic margins available to its members; this does not mean that what this ambassador or that one deems preferable will be the committee's stance.
The sources stated that one of the most important factors Le Drian will begin with today is that the third option includes Hezbollah, which reportedly still adheres to its initial choice concerning the leader of the Marada Movement, Sleiman Frangieh. However, the party will not oppose another option other than Frangieh, provided this alternative receives its approval. They added that it is also essential for the next president to possess competence in handling the economic file when engaging in its internal and external management.
How can these insights be practically demonstrated? The diplomatic sources replied that the idea reportedly carried by Le Drian to propose hosting a Lebanese presidential dialogue in Paris has been set aside. Instead, it has been suggested that a consultation take place in Lebanon, initiated under Le Drian's sponsorship, which would then proceed to open parliamentary sessions over four consecutive rounds to elect a president for the republic. These sessions will be repeated later if results are not achieved in the first round, and so on.
These sources expressed optimism about Lebanon's future, predicting that Lebanon's economy would recover rapidly as soon as tensions in the south subside, according to "Nidaa al-Watan."
