Abou Faour: Iranian Reservations Hampering Political Initiative

Health Minister Wael Abou Faour revealed that no new developments have emerged regarding the initiative aimed at ending the political and presidential deadlock in Lebanon, reported the pan-Arab daily Asharq al-Awsat on Sunday.

He told the daily: “Had we sensed some Iranian enthusiasm over the initiative, then we would have seen a different approach by the March 8 camp over it.”

Mustaqbal Movement leader MP Saad Hariri had proposed in recent months a settlement that would see Marada Movement leader MP Suleiman Franjieh elected president as part of a greater political initiative in Lebanon.

The suggestion was met with reservations from the March 8 and 14 camps.

“The proposal needs more discussions among the two coalitions, especially between Hizbullah and Change and Reform bloc leader MP Michel Aoun from the March 8 side, and Hariri and Lebanese Forces chief Samir Geagea on the March 14 side” continued Abou Faour.

“Contacts have resumed between Hariri and Geagea, but no breakthrough has yet been reached,” added the minister.

Lebanon was plunged in a vacuum in the presidency after the end of the term of Michel Suleiman in May 2014 without the election of a successor.

Ongoing disputes between the rival March 8 and 14 camps over a compromise candidate have thwarted the polls.