Despite the noticeable coldness in approaching the presidential file, it may be put on the heat for action at the start of the new year. A senior official confirmed to "Al-Joumhouria" that "the presidential file must be decisively opened so we can end this crisis, as the conditions in the region are pressing, and it is unclear what lies ahead. Therefore, we need to expedite the resolution of this file and elect a president for the republic, so we do not reach a point where nothing can be done with the situation deteriorating, even after years." The same official pointed out that "the return of some to discussing controversial specifications for the future president, tailoring the presidency to political, party, or sovereignty needs, confirms that the proponents of this logic read only in the book of their interests, which are contrary to the interests of Lebanon and the Lebanese people, which are based on consensus. Without this consensus, we will not get anywhere. There is a clear example that everything can be resolved through consensus, demonstrated in the recent legislative session, where parliamentary blocs from different directions agreed to pass the law extending the army commander and those at the rank of General. Had this consensus not been available, could we have approved this law? This applies to the presidency as well; we could elect a president tomorrow if we decide to agree among ourselves on any candidate."
Reopening the presidential file has also been confirmed by sources monitoring external movements for "Al-Joumhouria," speaking about serious signals regarding the possibility of a renewed Qatari initiative on the presidential file soon, through Sheikh "Abu Fahd" Jassim bin Fahd Al Thani, to continue his efforts which had previously seen some progress during his visits to Beirut. (It is noted in this context that the Qatari envoy had proposed three names for the presidency during his talks with political parties: Army Commander General Joseph Aoun, MP Neemat Afram, and Acting Director General of General Security, Major General Elias Bissari.)
This is also confirmed by the French atmosphere, where diplomatic sources informed "Al-Joumhouria" saying: "French envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian will return to Beirut to resume his mission," without specifying a date for his visit, but indicated that consultations are ongoing along the lines of the quintet committee to formulate an effective move to assist the Lebanese in electing a president for the republic. We see an urgent need for this to be done swiftly, and Lebanese must realize that the situation in Lebanon is very serious. Paris is observing the escalating situation along the borders with considerable concern. We have sent a series of messages to "Hezbollah" as well as to Israel, to avoid causing widespread confrontations with catastrophic consequences, and the visit of the French Foreign Minister falls within this framework.
