According to political sources, the ongoing meetings of the Quintet's ambassadors in Beirut with the official, spiritual, and political leaders involved directly in ending the presidential vacancy do not fall, nor should they fall, into the category of buying time or operating in overtime. Rather, it goes beyond that, at least to keep the roots of the presidential file alive so that when the time comes, all procedures are ready for the election of a new president of the republic. The sources told "Al-Liwaa" that there are signs on the horizon reflecting the seriousness of the diplomatic movement, which intersects at several points with the initiative of the National Moderation Parliamentary Bloc, which proposed a way out of the impasse and is still waiting for a response from Hezbollah.
The diplomatic movement concerning the presidential entitlement comes amid great anticipation for negotiations aimed at achieving a ceasefire for the exchange of prisoners and stopping the fire in Gaza, which are taking place in Qatar with direct follow-up from President Joe Biden, who is facing elections in Washington and the complexities of the conflict in Gaza and related fronts. While some believe that the war could be prolonged if Benjamin Netanyahu persists in his stubbornness and continues towards warfare in the regions they exited or seeks a war in Rafah, the political course should not be stalled, according to sources from the Quintet, as it provides international and Arab diplomatic cover to protect Lebanon from any Israeli recklessness by expanding the scope of confrontations.
Informed political circles told "Al-Liwaa" that it is not possible to conclude at this moment what the meetings of the Quintet might yield concerning the presidential file, especially since this movement will not lead to a new initiative differing from what was previously agreed upon concerning the completion of this entitlement and forming a broad understanding for this step. These circles confirmed to "Al-Liwaa" that the statements issued by the Egyptian ambassador reflect the existence of a roadmap, but matters are contingent upon outcomes. It is known that the Quintet has not and will not commit to any presidential candidate and supports any effort that calls for holding elections, even if there are difficulties in the matter.
They noted that the work of the committee is ongoing, and by the end of its rounds, the picture about the upcoming direction will become clearer. Today, the Quintet is visiting Rabieh and Maarab as part of the ongoing consultations with the Lebanese leadership. An Arab ambassador confirmed to "Al-Liwaa" that the committee is preparing for the next phase, and the results of its work will be revealed regarding what is foreseen for Lebanon in the coming phase.
