Report: Faisal Rebuffs Aoun's Presidential Candidacy
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal allegedly reiterated to al-Mustaqbal Movement chief and former Prime Minister Saad Hariri his complete rejection to allow Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun to reach the Baabda Palace.
Sources told As Safir newspaper published on Tuesday that Faisal's comments came during a meeting with Hariri in presence of Saudi King Salman bin Abdul Aziz shortly after the Lebanese official's visit to Lebanon in February.
The sources told the daily that Hariri warned during the talks from the repercussions of the presidential vacuum and its impact on the country's stability.
The Saudi leadership reportedly agreed to the Mustaqbal chief's fears, expressing concern that Lebanon would become an easy target amid any future developments in the region.
The sources said Hariri pointed out during the meeting that Aoun is a Christian leader who has his weight among the Lebanese, considering him a solution for the presidential deadlock.
However, Faisal held onto his stance, refusing to “grant Aoun any chances” over his political stances and agreement with Hizbullah.
Lawmakers from the March 14 and 8 alliances failed for the past 11 months to elect a successor to President Michel Suleiman's term over sharp differences on a compromise presidential candidate.
Hizbullah and Aoun's Change and Reform bloc have been boycotting electoral sessions.
Faisal first rejected the nomination of Aoun 10 months ago after Suleiman's tenure ended, expressing fear over his “hidden intentions.”
Aoun continuously said that he will not announce his candidacy for the presidency if there was no political consensus on him.
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