Report: Aoun Held Talks with Riachi to Wrap Up Preparations for Dialogue with LF

Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun is reportedly meeting in person with the media officer at the Lebanese Forces, Melhem Riachi, media reports said on Thursday.

According to Ad Diyar newspaper, Aoun began meeting with Riachi over the past few days.

Sources said that Aoun and Riachi are discussing a wide agenda to prepare for the long-awaited dialogue between the FPM chief and LF leader Samir Geagea.

Talks reportedly highlighted the controversial presidential elections, parliamentary elections and the rights of Christians in Lebanon.

Sources described the talks as “serious,” estimating that the two rival leaders will meet in the upcoming two days.

MP Ibrahim Kanaan of the FPM and Riachi have recently held several meetings aimed at preparing for the Aoun-Geagea talks.

On Wednesday, the LF and the FPM announced that they have decided to drop lawsuits filed against journalists and media outlets affiliated with the two political groups.

Both Aoun and Geagea have announced their candidacies for the presidency. Their differences, in addition to the rivalry between the March 8 and 14 alliances, have left the presidential post vacant.

President Michel Suleiman's term ended in May.