The head of the "Independent National Bloc," MP Tony Frangieh, indicated after meeting with the "Democratic Gathering" bloc that "the country needs initiatives that come from within, and we are open to any constructive dialogue that serves the interest of the nation away from narrow and factional issues." He noted that "the Democratic Gathering seeks to separate the regional context from the internal situation," explaining that "we, as officials in the country, must seek internal solutions aside from external resolutions."
Frangieh stated that "our hand is extended to any initiative that carries the national interest without any traps, and what we observed from the Democratic Gathering is transparency and a commitment to achieving the required tasks," hoping that this initiative will yield results, affirming that "we, along with the National Moderation Bloc, are in constant coordination."
He added: "The efforts of the Speaker of the Parliament, Nabih Berri, are the most serious in reaching a resolution to separate internal and external matters," and continued: "If it becomes impossible for the head of the Marada Movement, Sleiman Frangieh, to reach the presidency, or if he withdraws from the presidential race—which is not being considered at this time—the parliamentary majority is capable of electing a president, but that is not what we are striving for."
For his part, member of the "Democratic Gathering" bloc, Bilal Abdullah, confirmed that "the primary objective of the initiative is to attempt to find a formula that addresses everyone's concerns, as the country is vertically divided." He noted that "this meeting was part of the tour we are conducting to find a breakthrough in the presidential deadline, and there was an extensive discussion of all issues in a high national spirit."
