Suleiman Franjieh, head of the Marada Movement, confirmed that Hezbollah wants a president today more than ever but will not compromise on certain specifications. He stated, "I will not withdraw, and if my team wants this, they must come and justify their request, but I doubt they will do so." He emphasized that his team would not ask him to withdraw, adding that when a certain settlement is reached, actions will be based on that.
In an interview with Al-Jadeed TV, he noted that "the balances have not changed yet, perhaps waiting for the next regional settlement which will positively reflect on Lebanon, and things are on the right track." Regarding his relationship with France, he pointed out that "there is a good rapport with the French; they are positive towards us, and there is a clear relationship with them. I will meet with the French envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian on Tuesday." He questioned, "Why accept dialogue in Paris if one does not accept it in Lebanon?" stressing that "the U.S. stance has not changed since day one; it stipulates that there is no veto on Suleiman Franjieh."
He revealed that "the Saudi ambassador to Lebanon, Walid Bukhari, missed my visit due to illness, and I have only received good wishes from Saudi Arabia," stressing that "I do not negotiate without my allies and do not negotiate over my allies." Franjieh explained that "no president has ever reached power without some form of dialogue since 1976 until today; dialogue is an exit, and anyone who opposes it is an obstructer to some extent." He added, "Lebanon is governed by understandings and dialogue, and the Middle East is heading towards betterment, which will reflect on Lebanon."
Franjieh reaffirmed that "dialogue must be unconditional," noting that "there is a difference between wishes and what exists. We all wish for change, but some realize that it is impossible to bring about certain changes, resorting to populism at the expense of the people." He stressed, "I do not favor the ascension of an employee to the rank of president."
He added, "The constitutional pact exists and preserves the aspects, especially the Christian ones. The talk of those calling for its abolition is irresponsible," considering that "what is required is to secure the existing constitutional pact that protects the position of the Maronite president in Lebanon." Franjieh emphasized that he is "not Hezbollah's candidate today, but I am an Arab nationalist with the resistance and the Palestinian cause."
