Report: Fabius Tasked to Discuss Baabda Vacuum during Tehran Visit

French President Francois Hollande has tasked Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius to discuss with Iranian authorities Lebanon's presidential deadlock, pan-Arab daily al-Hayat reported on Tuesday.

The newspaper said Hollande informed Fabius that he should discuss with Iranian officials later this month the importance of ending the presidential vacuum.

Baabda Palace has been vacant since President Michel Suleiman's six-year term ended in May last year.

Differences between the March 8 and 14 alliance officials have thwarted attempts by the parliament to elect a successor.

Fabius said Tuesday he would visit Iran "next week", after the historic deal on its nuclear program.

Although Fabius did not provide more precise details, his aides told Agence France Presse that the trip would likely take place next Wednesday.

"I will be there next week," Fabius told French radio.